Don’t use Mindanao separation as ‘political slogan,’ leaders warned

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker from Mindanao has urged leaders to “be more circumspect” and not use the region’s independence and separation from the rest of the Philippines as a “political slogan.”

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said calling for Mindanao’s secession just because of petty politics is an insult to the memory of Moro fighters and Filipino soldiers who died on the path to freedom.

“So I guess my calling to our leaders: be more circumspect, we should not use independence or the issue of secession of Mindanao as a political slogan,” he said in a press briefing at the House of Representatives complex.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong says in a press conference on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, that calling for Mindanao’s separation just because of petty politics is an insult to the memory of Moro fighters and Filipino soldiers who died on the path to freedom. (File photo from Adiong’s Twitter page)

“We should not use that loosely [to] express our dismay politically.  This issue of secession has killed more than a thousand great men. So let’s put it to rest,” he added.

READ: Mindanao secession ‘won’t stand, contradicts constitution,’ solons say

Adiong continued: “We want to join the Philippines, we embrace unity, and let’s support this administration’s call for unity. Huwag ho natin gamitin ito na political slogan or tirahin because we are frustrated personally or politically sa mga nakaupong mga lider.”

(Let’s not use this political slogan or use it because we are frustrated personally or politically with the sitting leaders.)

“Huwag po kasi it adds insult to the memories of those who are fallen, and those our troops who have sacrificed their lives in order to protect the Philippines,” he also said.

(Don’t do it because it adds insult to the memories of those who have fallen and those of our troops who have sacrificed their lives in order to protect the Philippines.)

According to Adiong, the least that leaders can do for people who have died for Mindanao is “to honor their memories and keep this country intact.”

READ: Mindanao in ‘toxic relationship’ with ‘sinking’ PH; must secede – Rep Alvarez

Adiong did not mention anyone in particular, but his pronouncements were an answer to a question about former president Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a separate Mindanao republic as he is not happy with the actions taken by the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Duterte first mentioned the idea of Mindanao secession after the rally organized by his family in Davao City, where he openly criticized President Marcos.

In a briefing streamed by SMNI on its Facebook page, Duterte said that he does not need help from the government regarding the complaints filed against him before the International Criminal Court (ICC) because probers can only access the Philippines – insinuating that Mindanao would no longer be part of the country.

READ: Solons: Mindanao splitting from PH impossible now, not beneficial

Adiong said the Moro people – who have faced persecution even during the time of the Spanish colonial occupation – have the moral ascendancy to call for secession. However, they would choose not to do so because people are tired of the fighting and would like to finally see progress.

He also said that people in key cities in Mindanao such as Davao should have no reason to call for a break away because they already live progressive lives.

“In so far as the call for secession is concerned, I think the Muslim community, the minority Muslims in Mindanao, have the moral ascendency to call for secession […] But if you ask us, that issue is already settled, and there is no clamor for us to pursue independence, in fact we all together abandoned the call for independence and we have settled for genuine autonomy,” Adiong said.

“Because there is no way to move forward (other) than to embrace national polity, join the mainstream Filipino society in order to progress […] If you go to Davao City, it’s even more progressive than many cities here in Manila, I guess, or in Visayas.  If you go to Cagayan de Oro – these are progressive cities and they don’t have – I guess wala silang rason para sabihing magse-secede sila (they don’t have any reason to say they are seceding),” he added.

READ: More officials oppose Mindanao secession

Adiong further noted that he has seen and smelled war too long enough that people like him would not want conflict to develop again.

“I am the second generation of Muslim minority in the country who have seen the brunt of war.  I’ve seen it, I know the smell of decomposing body.  I know the sound of a gun. So kami po ‘yong unang-unang mangsasabing tapos na po ‘yan (We would be the first to say that era is over) because we want to move forward,” he explained.

“Now, yes, it may be true that this is a democratic country, anybody can say their piece if you are satisfied or frustrated with your government, you can say whatever you want. But secession has a legal terminology, it is not loosely used by any ordinary people,” he likewise warned.