Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City on January 25, 2021. Karl Alonzo, Presidential photo/handout

MANILA — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) led by Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. on Friday called out former President Rodrigo Duterte's push to "separate" Mindanao from the Philippines, calling it an "anathema to the letter and spirit of the Constitution."

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"Let us turn away from any call or movement that aims to destabilize our beloved nation, especially to separate Mindanao from the rest of the country," said Galvez, without naming Duterte.

Galvez was among the most trusted officials of the Duterte administration, serving as AFP chief of staff, Defense undersecretary, vaccine czar during the pandemic, and OPAPRU secretary. He was reappointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in the same position in 2023.

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Earlier this week, Duterte, the first Mindanaoan president, floated the idea of seceding Mindanao and said he has already tasked Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to gather signatures for their advocacy, citing a supposed "UN process." He lamented the lack of development in the island for reviving the movement.

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But according to Galvez, the government is already seeing the benefits of the comprehensive peace process that sought to end the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao. 

It was Duterte who signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2018 that paved the way for wider self-rule to the Muslim minority in the southern Philippines.

"The dividends of peace are upon us and are now being felt by everyone... Mindanao has already shed its image as a land of volatility, violence and armed struggle. It has now become a symbol of hope, mutual understanding and solidarity, and most of all, a shining example that good things come to those who choose the path of peace," Galvez said.

Galvez warned that the country "cannot afford to go back to square one."

"We must learn our lessons from the past and apply these to all aspects of our life as peace-loving citizens... Let us therefore continue supporting the Marcos administration’s peace, reconciliation and unity agenda," he said.