Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte expressed support to the idea of Mindanao’s secession from the Philippines.
This came after a viral social media post by Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga that questioned whether Mindanao and the Visayas should break away from the national government.
In Barzaga’s post, he asked: “What are your thoughts on Mindanao and Visayas secession?” Shortly after, Duterte appeared to back the idea through a cryptic statement that read, “Freedom from neo-colonial influence and money-driven politics. Meow.”
Barzaga has openly called for discussions on Mindanao’s possible separation from the country, asserting that the region is capable of standing on its own as an independent and self-sufficient nation.
He cited Mindanao’s abundant natural resources and the resilience of its people as key strengths.
“Mindanao is capable of being entirely self-sufficient. The desire for secession of Mindanao in response to the extreme corruption of the wealthy elites of the NCR, who look down upon them as lesser beings, is a very valid sentiment, and one that I wish to bring to our government,” Barzaga said.
The lawmaker added that he plans to formally raise the issue before Congress and the Office of the President to initiate discussions on possible changes to the national territory in response to what he described as “the grievances of Mindanaoans.”
Calls for Mindanao’s separation are not new.
In February 2024, former President Rodrigo Duterte also floated the idea of breaking away from the Republic, a proposal the Department of Justice (DOJ) swiftly rejected as unconstitutional.
Former House Speaker and Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez has also voiced support for revisiting the secession proposal, saying Mindanao continues to be exploited by businesses based in Luzon and remains neglected in national priorities.
Alvarez lamented that Mindanao has been “left behind” in various aspects, including annual budget allocations where the region allegedly receives lower priority compared to other parts of the country.
