57 KONGRESISTA PUMIRMA SA MANIFESTO (Kontra sa panukala ni Digong na ihiwalay Mindanao)

MAY kabuuang 57 miyembro ng House of Representatives ang nagpakita ng kanilang pagtutol sa grupong nagsusulong na ihiwalay ang Mindanao sa Pilipinas.

Batay sa Manifesto for National Integrity and Development (MNID) na nilagdaan ng 57 congressman – 53 mula sa Mindanao – hayagang inayawan ang mungkahing nagsusulong na gawin isang independent state ang nasabing rehiyon.

“We signed the manifesto as one voice, one nation, rejecting all calls for the secession of Mindanao. We will not be a party to an unconstitutional proposal to break the territorial integrity of the Philippines. We make our intentions known, as Mindanao lawmakers,” pahayag ni Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, chairman ng House Committee on Muslim Affairs.

“We, the elected representatives of Mindanao in the House of Representatives, firmly oppose the calls for the secession of Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines. Our stance is deeply rooted in our belief in national unity, the power of inclusive development, and the promise of a peaceful, progressive future for all Filipinos, including the indigenous people of Mindanao,” saad sa isang bahagi ng manifesto.

“Mindanao’s vibrant cultural diversity represents the nation’s broader principle of unity in diversity. We stand for fostering understanding and collaboration across all communities within the framework of the Republic, enriching our shared national identity and heritage.” 

Naniniwala ang mga Mindanaoan lawmaker na mayroong malaking papel ang kanilang rehiyon sa ekonomiya ng bansa at malugod nilang pinasasalamatan ang hakbangin na isinasagawa mismo ni President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., ang bigyang prayoridad ang pagpapaunlad sa Mindanao.

“His administration’s focus on enhancing infrastructure, agricultural revitalization, and economic empowerment in Mindanao is pivotal. These efforts aim to ensure that progress reaches every corner of Mindanao, contributing to the nation’s overall growth and stability,” anila.

“Our pursuit of peace and security is aligned with the government’s commitment to reconciliation and the empowerment of the BARMM. We believe that lasting peace is achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusive governance, under the banner of our sovereign nation,” dagdag pa ng mga lumagdang kinatawan sa Kamara.

Anila, ang mga hamon na kinakaharap ng Mindanao at maging ng buong bansa ay nangangailangan ng nagkakaisang pagtugon at magkatuwang na responsibilidad.

“We commend the Marcos administration’s dedication to addressing disparities and fostering a more inclusive development model. These initiatives reinforce our conviction that the aspirations of Mindanaoans for autonomy, recognition and development can be realized more effectively within the context of a united and sovereign Philippines.” 

Bunsod nito, umapela ang mga mambabatas na isantabi na ang udyok na ihiwalay ang Mindanao region sa kabuuan ng bansang Pilipinas at sa halip ay hiniling nila sa lahat na ipaglaban at protektahan ang soberanya at integridad ng bansa gayundin ang itinataguyod sa ilalim ng umiiral na Saligang Batas.

“It is therefore imperative that we stand together to protect our constitutional democracy through legal means, ensuring that those who seek to divide us are held accountable under the full extent of the law.”

Kabilang sa 53 Mindanaoan lawmakers na pumirma sa manifesto sina Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, PBA Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles, at Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tan-Tambut,. Pasok din sa kumontra sa pagbukod ng Mindanao sina Biliran Rep. Gerardo Espina Jr. na kasapi ng Visayan bloc.