The Department of Justice (DOJ) has thumbed down the call by former president Rodrigo Duterte for Mindanao to break away from the Philippines.
In a recent statement, the DOJ said it “vehemently opposes calls for the secession of Mindanao or other parts of the country, and stands firmly against any attempts to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines, as enshrined in the Constitution.”
The DOJ explained that secession is regarded as contrary to the principles of the country’s democratic society, as stated in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.
“As the principal law agency of the Executive branch, the DOJ remains committed to protecting our sovereignty and upholding the sanctity of the highest law of the land. Our nation’s strength lies in unity, and we call upon all Filipinos to reject secessionist ideologies and work together for a strong, united, and undivided Bagong Pilipinas,” it added.
Many local Mindanao leaders have already expressed opposition to the Duterte call for Mindanao to separate from the rest of the country.
Over the weekend, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Aรฑo assured the government would do everything to prevent any attempt to dismember the country.
โAny attempt to secede any part of the Philippines will be met by the government with resolute force,” Aรฑo said in a statement as he rejected the idea of separating Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines.
The government, he said, would remain steadfast in securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory. (With PNA)
