Philippine Defense Minister Speaks Out After Duterte Threatens Secession

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro

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Reuters on February 5 quoted Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro as declaring that the country would "strictly enforce" its sovereignty, as he and other security officials spoke out after former President Rodrigo Duterte's secessionist threat.

Earlier on January 30, Mr. Duterte called for independence for his southern home island of Mindanao, after his coalition with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. fell apart last week over disagreements over efforts to amend the constitution.

"The defense ministry's mission is to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation as enshrined in the constitution. We will strictly carry out this mission whether externally or internally," Teodoro wrote in a statement.

Defense Secretary Teodoro's remarks echoed those of National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano, who said the government would not hesitate to "use its authority and force to quell and prevent any attempt to divide" the Philippines.

Mr Duterte became the first president of the Philippines (term 30 June 2016-30 June 2022) from the resource-rich island of Mindanao. The island has also been plagued by violence and conflict for decades as the government has fought insurgents and extremists. The unrest has hurt investment and left many villages impoverished.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commander-in-Chief Romeo Brawner, while visiting barracks in Mindanao on February 4, reminded soldiers that "we have sworn an oath to always obey orders, to be loyal to the constitution and our duly constituted institutions."

"Let us continue to demonstrate that with a strong and united AFP, we will have a strong and united Philippines," he stressed.

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