BY VICTOR REYES and ASHZEL HACHERO
DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr yesterday vowed to “strictly enforce” its mandate of securing the State’s sovereignty and the nation’s territorial integrity.
Teodoro made the remarks in response to calls for the secession of Mindanao from the Philippines, particularly from the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The mandate of the Department of National Defense is to secure the sovereignty of the State and integrity of the national territory as enshrined in the Constitution,” Teodoro said in a statement.
“We will strictly enforce this mandate whether externally or internally,” he added.
The Department of Justice said it “vehemently” opposes calls for the secession of Mindanao or any part of the country, adding that such a move undermines the territorial integrity of the country.
In a statement sent by the office of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the department also said that it “stands firmly” against any attempt to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines, as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.
“Secession is regarded as contrary to the principles of our 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,” the department said, adding that the strength of the nation lies in unity.
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) pushed for a united and undivided nation as they rejected the proposals for an independent.
Amid the secession calls, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr unveiled yesterday the AFP’s new battle cry, “One AFP, One Philippines. Strong AFP, Strong Philippines,” during flag-raising at the AFP general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo.
“Let us remain loyal to the Constitution and to the duly constituted authorities. We only one have one Armed Forces of the Philippines, and we only have one nation,” said Brawner.
“If we have a very strong AFP, we will have a strong country. This is why we will pursue our modernization and we will develop our capabilities… Let us prepare ourselves, make ourselves more competent in our jobs,” added Brawner.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the military came out with a new battle cry “given the present security landscape and (this) implies new imperatives that our soldiers, and the Filipino people, should expect from our institution.”
“This is just in addition to the tagline, #AFPyoucanTRUST,” he said in a message.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr said the PNP is against the efforts to separate Mindanao from the Philippines.
Acorda said the PNP will “stand united and will be firm” for the retention of the defined territory of the Philippines under the Constitution.
Acorda said separating Mindanao from the Philippines “is not good,” noting the sacrifices of “heroes and other kabayans (countrymen) “ which he said have led to peace.
Acorda said efforts to separate a portion of the country may only lead to violence.
“So the best solution is let us be united. Let us not entertain these ideas. After all, we’re enjoying peace,” said Acorda, adding many leaders and peace-inclined groups in Mindanao are against the secession.
“All of us want peace and I think the country is at the right direction economically and as a republic,” he added.
Acorda warned policemen against joining the call for secession of Mindanao, noting they have taken their oath to uphold the Constitution.
Acorda said policemen caught joining the cause will be relieved from their post.
Nevertheless, he said they have not monitored any policeman supporting the secession of Mindanao “but we remain vigilant on this, that is the job of our counter-intelligence.”
“So far our commanders on the ground have given their commitment and full support to the leadership and also to the Constitution that they have sworn to (uphold),” said Acorda.
The DOJ called on the public to “reject secessionist ideologies and work together for a strong, united, and undivided Bagong Pilipinas.”
But the DOJ remained silent when asked what it will do against those publicly advocating for Mindanao secession and if Duterte’s statement on the issue can be considered seditious.
The former president has said a signature drive is ongoing for the secession move.
INTEGRITY
Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo “Dax” Enriquez Cua, ULAP national president, said in a news release issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) that his group underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Philippine territory while recognizing and celebrating diverse local and regional identities, including Mindanao.
Cua said ULAP champions the principle of a “One Nation, United, Undivided” and is committed to fostering unity and progress for all Filipinos.
He called on all national and local governments, community groups, and civil society organizations to “collaborate towards inclusive and sustainable development across the Philippines.”
“We believe that the entire nation, including Mindanao, with its abundant resources and untapped potential, can flourish through cooperative and collective efforts,” he said.
LCP president and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama stressed the importance of having a united country to continue achievements in peace, progress, and prosperity.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of working together, of moving as one, propelled by our genuine concern for the plight of our fellow Filipinos. Now, more than ever, we should be guided by compassion and sensitivity to attain progress together,” Rama said.
Ozamiz (Misamis Occidental) Archbishop Martin Jumoad said he is against separating Mindanao from the Philippines.
“We have to preserve our unity. No to disintegration of our land,” he said Jumoad.
“I am for the preservation of our land, of our country, the Philippines,” he added. — With Jocelyn Montemayor and Gerard Naval
