A progressive in the House questioned the sudden campaign to separate Mindanao from the Philippines, something he said could be used against the investigation into the bloody “war on drugs” of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
It was only recently that Digong proposed the idea of Mindanao secession after he accused President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of “bangag” and “addict.”
“Nakakapagtaka ang timing nito. Bakit hindi ito pinanawagan ni Duterte habang pangulo palang siya? Ngayon lang niya naisip gawin ito dahil wala na siya sa kapangyarihan at nagugunaw na ang alyansa nila sa mga Marcos,” said Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel.
“Sa katunayan, nais lang gawing escape bunker ng mga Duterte ang Mindanao sa panahong tugisin na sila sa [International Criminal Court] kapag umusad ang imbestigasyon at nahatulan sila sa kanilang mga krimen sa mamamayang Pilipino.”
The ICC first allowed the investiture to roll in the “crimes against humanity” complaint related to drug-related killings in the Philippines, something that reached more than 6,000 to 30,000 during Digong’s time.
The ICC recently contacted Duterte’s former staff, SPO4 Arturo Lascanas, an admitted member of the Davao Death Squad who is said to have been involved in killings in the city since 1988.
Solon questions Duterte’s push to separate Mindanao from PH
“Imbes na humarap at linisin ang kanilang pangalan, ‘di lang sila tatakbo pero maghahasik pa ng gulo sa bansa.”
“‘Di naman sasagutin ng pagkalas sa Pilipinas ang mga problema ng Mindanao sa kahirapan, armadong tunggalian, pandarambong sa kalikasan at iba pa. Tulad ng People’s Initiative at Charter Change, ang nilulutong Mindanao Secession plan ni Rodrigo Duterte ay pansariling pakana lamang.”
Duterte first explained that his desire to separate Mindanao — the area where he lives — came from its lack of development despite the many elected presidents.
He added that he is confident that Mindanao can stand on its own feet.
“We have everything and yet we give all our resources (to the Visayas and Luzon). Mindanao is rich,” said the former president.
“But of course, if we separate and become independent and the Filipinos will come here, it’s going to be a problem. But you can come here. People from Luzon and Visayas, we will not deny you.”
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.