DAVAO CITY (February 2) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Mindanao has rejected reports suggesting that the island is pursuing separation from the Philippines or that the matter is being discussed at the United Nations.
DFA-Mindanao Assistant Secretary Maria Agnes Cervantes said the agency was “surprised” by widespread reports circulated on social media and national news outlets that implied Mindanao’s secession had been confirmed.
Speaking at a business forum at Hukad, Abreeza Mall, Cervantes said the DFA immediately sought verification through its Intelligence and Security Unit (ISU) and found no basis for the claims.
“So far, there is no actual information, and even the Philippine government would not allow such a move,” Cervantes said. “Why should we separate from the Philippines?”
The official stressed that secession would require a complex and extensive legal process, making such reports highly unlikely.
However, some resolutions adopted during Mindanao-wide consultative meetings in Cagayan de Oro City earlier this year have called for proposals on Mindanao’s political status to be submitted to the UN Committee on Decolonization for deliberation. Organizers described these as part of a “peaceful struggle to free Mindanao from Manila imperialism” and to promote its status as an independent federal state under international law.
Consultations across Western, Central, and Northern Mindanao consistently emphasized that any political change should be pursued peacefully, not through armed struggle.
Calls for secession resurfaced recently after a sitting lawmaker released a viral video echoing sentiments previously raised by former President Rodrigo Duterte. In early 2024, Duterte hinted at Mindanao’s independence amid disputes with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a proposal quickly rejected by the administration as unconstitutional and a threat to national sovereignty.
President Marcos has reiterated that secession violates the 1987 Constitution, while national security officials warned the government would use its full authority against attempts to divide the nation.
“Freedom of expression is protected, but actions threatening territorial integrity and national security will not be tolerated,” security officials said.
