Philippines Prepared to Use ‘Forces’ to Suppress Any Secession Attempts – Official, By Reuters

Philippine Government on Secession Threats: Firm Response Ensured

Manila – The Philippine government has expressed its readiness to employ decisive measures against any attempts to fragment the nation, as stated by a security official on Sunday. This firm stance follows remarks made by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has suggested the independence of certain southern islands.

Duterte’s call for Mindanao, his home region, to separate from the Philippines comes amid growing tensions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stemming from disagreements over proposed amendments to the constitution. Marcos has indicated that the objective of these amendments is to facilitate foreign investment, while Duterte accuses him of seeking constitutional changes to prolong his hold on power.

National security adviser Eduardo Ano emphasized that any actions aimed at secession would be met with the government’s "resolute force," alluding to "recent calls to separate Mindanao" without explicitly naming Duterte. "The national government will not hesitate to use its authority and forces to quell and stop any and all attempts to dismember the Republic," Ano asserted.

He warned that such calls for independence could undermine the progress made by the government in securing peace with former separatist factions. Mindanao has faced decades of violence and conflict as the government confronted insurgents and extremists, hindering investment and leaving many areas in poverty.

The largest rebel group in the region, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 2014, which concluded their fight for independence in exchange for greater autonomy in a Muslim area known as Bangsamoro.

Ahod Ebrahim, the chief minister of Bangsamoro, reaffirmed his commitment to the peace deal. Meanwhile, government peace process adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. urged Filipinos to reject any calls that might destabilize the country. Philippine armed forces chief Romeo Brawner also encouraged soldiers to maintain unity and loyalty to the constitution and the chain of command.