Duterte wants to engage in "independence"? The Philippines vowed to "suppress by force".
The conflict between the former Duterte and the current Marcos in the Philippines has become public and is gradually escalating. Recently, according to Reuters and the Philippine Daily Inquirer, after accusing each other of "drug addiction", the two leaders have faced off over constitutional amendments and territorial sovereignty, and there are even rumors that Duterte wants to push for the "independence" of his hometown of Mindanao.
This statement triggered a strong reaction from the Philippines. In a statement released on February 4, Philippine adviser Eduardo Arnaud said that he would not hesitate to use force to suppress and deter any attempt. He stressed that the Philippines will firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and refuse to separate Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines.
Arnold also urged the Filipino public to remain vigilant against those who seek to sow discord. He added that such actions and remarks would undermine the efforts and achievements of the Philippines in the pursuit of peace and development. He stressed that the strength of the state lies in unity, and all sectors must unequivocally reject any attempt to incite **.
Arnaud also said that the richness of Mindanao's natural resources and culture is recognized, but its development and autonomy must be discussed within the framework of national unity and constitutional supremacy. He insisted that ending decades of armed conflict in Mindanao required a comprehensive peace process, which had yielded remarkable results in Mindanao's transformation from a region of instability and violence to a region of progress, stability and hope.
On the same day, AFP Commander-in-Chief Romeo Brawner told the soldiers to "stay united and loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command," emphasizing the importance of the military's loyalty to the country and adherence to the law.
However, prior to Arnold's statement, former Philippine Duterte's remarks about "proposing Mindanao's independence" sparked controversy.
Recently, there has been a disagreement between Duterte and Marcos over constitutional amendments. Marcos said the constitutional changes were intended to attract more foreign investment, but Duterte accused him of using them to extend his rule. As the rift intensified, Duterte threatened to push Mindanao and surrounding islands to secede from the Philippines and establish an "independent Mindanao" at a press conference on January 31.
According to Duterte, "after so many bits and pieces," Mindanao "hasn't gotten any development," and he believes that no matter what they do, there will be another bad one. He stressed that this is not a bloody rebellion and that they will collect the signatures of the people in accordance with the procedures of the United Nations and verify them after taking the oath in the presence of other witnesses to show that the people want to separate from the country.
Duterte also advocated a "restructuring" of Mindanao's political system and proposed that Alvarez, a former speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of Constituency 1 in North Davao, lead the "independence movement." "If there is an independent Mindanao Republic, the ICC will no longer be able to enter Mindanao because Alvarez will hide me," he quipped. ”
This controversy has sparked widespread attention and discussion. Some argue that Duterte's proposal is an attempt to cover up the difficulties and problems he faced during his time in office, and that Mindanao's independence is unrealistic. They believe that such a move will only further weaken the unity and stability of the Philippines.
However, there are also those who see Duterte's proposal as a response to armed conflict and unfair treatment in Mindanao's history. They believe that seceding Mindanao would better protect the interests and development of the region and might help solve the region's problems.
In any case, the Philippines strongly opposes any attempt and has stated that it will resolutely use force to suppress and stop such attempts. They stressed that national unity and national unity are important cornerstones for safeguarding national development and peace.
Currently, the Philippines faces a variety of challenges, including economic problems, poverty, crime and terrorism. At this critical juncture, the unity and stability of the country have become even more important. Both Duterte and Marcos should think for the interests of the country and the well-being of the people, not for the sake of personal political interests.
In the coming days, the Philippines** needs to take proactive measures to resolve internal differences and problems, while taking effective measures to promote economic development, improve people's living conditions, and strengthen the country's security and stability. It is through these efforts that the Philippines can achieve true prosperity and development.