8-2-2024 (MANILA) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed his stance on Thursday (Feb 8), denouncing calls for independence for the southern island of Mindanao as a “constitutional travesty” and asserting that such efforts were “doomed to fail.”
This marks the first occasion President Marcos has addressed the issue since his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, advocated for the secession of his home island. Their alliance disintegrated publicly amidst insults and discord regarding constitutional reform.
Speaking on Constitution Day, Marcos delivered a speech without directly naming his outspoken predecessor, stating, “The new call for a separate Mindanao is doomed to fail, for it is anchored on a false premise, not to mention a sheer constitutional travesty.” He continued, “I strongly appeal to all concerned to stop this call for a separate Mindanao. This is a grave violation of the constitution. This is not the new Philippines that we are trying to mould. Rather this would destroy the country.”
Marcos’ national security adviser reiterated on Sunday that the government would take decisive action to “quell and stop any and all attempts to dismember the Republic.” This statement was followed by the defence chief’s vow on Monday to uphold the country’s sovereignty firmly in response to Duterte’s secessionist threats.
Duterte, the first Philippine president hailing from resource-rich Mindanao, faced persistent violence and conflict on the island for decades as the government grappled with insurgents and extremists. The ongoing unrest has hindered investment and perpetuated poverty in many villages across Mindanao.
