AFP for ‘one Philippines’, rejects Mindanao independence

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it would uphold “one Philippines” amid former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a separate and independent Mindanao.

“We stand for one Philippines,” said AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad during a regular press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

“I think from that particular statement it is already clear what is the stand of the armed forces — one AFP, one Philippines; strong AFP, strong Philippines,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad made the statement following Duterte’s claim that local political forces would regroup in the Davao Region to start a movement for the independence of Mindanao

Trinidad also reiterated AFP’s loyalty to the Constitution.

Two former AFP chiefs under the Duterte administration also rejected the former commander-in-chief’s suggestion.

Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., who served as AFP chief of staff in 2018, said Duterte’s call would destabilize the country.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, meantime, said Duterte’s plan would be met with “resolute force.” Año served as the AFP chief until 2017.