Muslim leader opposes Mindanao secession

BALANGA CITY: A Muslim leader, who is into footwear retail business here, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed separation of Mindanao from the Philippines.

At the same time, Sultan Abdullah Ampuan, a Maranao and president of Muslims in Bataan with 3,000 members, said the government should provide more funds to the region, saying that Mindanao is really left behind.

The 49-year-old Ampuan said they have been hearing about that idea long before, admitting separating Mindanao is tougher than one thinks. He even cited the three stars in Philippine flag represent three islands that make up one Philippines.

Ampuan noted that indeed Mindanao is being left behind, with the national government, he said, seemingly failing to provide enough funds for development programs in the regions — reasons, he added, why life in Mindanao is very hard.

The Muslim salesman also admitted the Mindanao region was noticed only during the past administration under former president Rodrigo Duterte.

He said Mindanao needs more schools and hospitals, and that budget for the region should be increased to be able to help the marginalized.

Ampuan said many residents in Mindanao rely only on farming while a great many try their luck in other parts of the country.

“Kaya tulad namin, dito na kami lumaki dahil ang linya namin ay mga negosyante kami. Pabalik-balik kami sa Mindanao kasi mayroon pa kaming mga kamag-anak doon saka ‘yung mga lupain ay pinapasyalan namin (Like us, we grew up here, because our line is to do business. We come and go to Mindanao because we have cousins there, and we just go there to see our land),” said Ampuan, who said he has been living in Balanga City for 30 years now.