(UPDATE) MALACAÑANG on Friday called on Filipinos to remain united in rejecting any destabilizing proposals, particularly calls to separate Mindanao from the rest of the country.

"When we, as Filipinos, are united, there is peace, development and prosperity. But when we, as a people, are divided, there is instability, underdevelopment and disorder," Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement released by the Palace.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.

"Let us therefore turn away from any call or movement that aims to destabilize our beloved nation, especially to separate Mindanao from the rest of the country," he added.

Galvez said that such a move totally contradicts the spirit of the Philippine Constitution, adding that it would erase the dividends of the comprehensive peace process that has put an end to decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.

"As Filipinos, let us therefore continue supporting the Marcos administration's peace, reconciliation and unity agenda. The dividends of peace are upon us and are now being felt by everyone," he said.

Galvez said the success of the peace process was evident in the willingness of former revolutionary groups in Mindanao to play an active part in nation-building.

"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. We 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 always choose peace and remain united, as it is the only way to move forward as one people and one nation," he added.

On Tuesday, former president Rodrigo Duterte mentioned the possibility of Mindanao secession via a signature campaign, noting that it was Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez who first brought up the idea.

"There is a process in the UN (United Nations) where you would gather signatures in Mindanao verifying under oath, in the presence of the many people, that you want a separate [nation]," Duterte said during a news conference in Davao City.

He expressed confidence that an independent Mindanao can stand on its own, given its abundance of natural resources.

"We have everything, and yet we give all our resources [to the Visayas and Luzon]. Mindanao is rich," Duterte said.

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