By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Declaring that they are one with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in preserving the unity of the country’s three main islands, Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo on Wednesday (21 Feb 2024) disclosed that 53 out of the 60 congressmen of Mindanao have rejected the secession of Mindanao earlier floated by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Davao del Norter Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez.
“We are one with our President that we don’t need to move backwards to the time of darkness in the region of Mindanao,” Dimaporo stressed in a press conference.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that Duterte is pushing for a “separate and independent Mindanao” ostensibly to escape from being arrested in connection with the “crimes against humanity” charges against him due to the reported extra-judicial killings (EJKs) in the course of campaign against illegal drugs.
“Our stance is deeply rooted in our belief in national unity, the power of inclusive development, and the promise of a peaceful, progressive future for all Filipinos, including the indigenous people of Mindanao,” the Mindanao solons’ manifesto against secession said.
It was noted that there is no mechanism in the 1987 Constitution, which defines the national territory of the Philippines, for regions to secede from the country.
Marcos, Jr. earlier called Duterte’s secessionist movement a “travesty” to the 1987 Charterns that it is doomed to fail.
(el Amigo/MNM)