Tinanggihan ni Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. ang panawagan ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na ihiwalay ang Mindanao sa Pilipinas.
Sa isang pahayag nitong Biyernes, Pebrero 2, sinabi ni Galvez na susi ang pagkakaisa ng kapayapaan sa bansa.
“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,” ani Galvez.
“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. For one, this call for separation is anathema to the letter and spirit of the Philippine Constitution, which is the bulwark of our nation’s identity as a people.
Akbayan, kinondena pag-acquit kina Enrile sa kasong plunder
“Second, it goes against the principles of a country which is already benefiting and enjoying from the dividends of the comprehensive peace process that has put an end to decades of armed conflict in Mindanao,” dagdag pa niya.
Kaugnay nito, nanawagan si Galvez na patuloy na suportahan ang “peace, reconciliation at unity agenda” ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“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,” saad ng kalihim ng OPAPRU.
“The members of these former revolutionary groups are now playing an active part in nation-building. They are helping the national government promote genuine peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro through inclusive, people-centered moral governance,” saad pa niya.
Samantala, iginiit ni Galvez na dapat umanong matuto na ang bawat isa sa nangyari ng nakaraan at gamitin ito para sa ikabubuti ng buhay ng mga Pilipino, lalo na sa Mindanao.
“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,” saad ni Galvez.
“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,” dagdag pa niya.
Matatandaang noong Martes, Enero 30, ipinahayag ni Duterte ang ideya ng isang "hiwalay at nagsasarili" na Mindanao mula sa Pilipinas. Tinutulak na umano ito ng mga lokal na personalidad sa pulitika na muling nag-aayos sa isang bagong grupo sa katimugang bahagi ng bansa.
Samantala, si Galvez ay naging opisyal din noong administrasyon ni Duterte, kung saan nagsilbi siya bilang Covid-19 vaccine czar, chief implementer ng National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, hepe ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, at presidential peace adviser.
