57 lawmakers reject Mindanao secession

A MANIFESTO that rejects the proposal of former president Rodrigo Duterte to secede Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines has been signed by 57 lawmakers, 53 of them from the region.

The “Unified Manifesto for National Integrity and Development” calls for the rejection of the proposal of former president Duterte and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to separate Mindanao from the republic.

The chairman of the House Committee on Muslim Affairs, Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, said they would not allow themselves to be a “party to an unconstitutional proposal to break the territorial integrity of the Philippines.”

“We, the elected representatives of Mindanao in the House of Representatives, firmly oppose the calls for the secession of Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines. 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 manifesto read.

It said that the vibrant cultural diversity of Mindanao represents the country’s broader principle of “unity in diversity.”

“We stand for fostering understanding and collaboration across all communities within the framework of the Republic, enriching our shared national identity and heritage,” the manifesto added.

Also, the lawmakers acknowledged the critical role of Mindanao in the national economy, noting the significant steps that had been taken by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize development in the region, such as infrastructure, agriculture and economic empowerment.

The Marcos administration’s focus on peace and security, they added, is also aligned with the government’s commitment to reconciliation and the empowerment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We believe that lasting peace is achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusive governance, under the banner of our sovereign nation,” according to the lawmakers.

They also called for the “diligent prosecution” of all individuals that foster disunity and those who blatantly violate the constitution and threaten the sovereign integrity of the country.

Aside from the 53 lawmakers from Mindanao, three party-list lawmakers signed the manifesto — Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles, Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo and Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tan-Tambut.

Biliran Rep. Gerardo Espina was the lone Visayan lawmaker to sign the manifesto.