The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, February 5, said it "vehemently opposes" former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's call to secede Mindanao from the Philippines.
In a statement posted on the Presidential Communications Office's official Facebook page, the DOJ said secession is not adherent to the principles of a democratic society that are provided in Article II, Section 2 of the Philippine 1987 Constitution.
"As the principal law agency of the executive branch, the DOJ remains committed to protecting our sovereignty and upholding the sanctity of the highest law of the land," it said.
The justice department also conveyed that it is "firmly against any attempts to undermine" the country's unity and territorial integrity.
"Our nation's strength lies in unity, and we call upon all Filipinos to reject secessionist ideologies and work together for a strong, united, and undivided Bagong Pilipinas," it ended.
Many have also aired their objection against the secession plans, including Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr., Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Bangsamoro governors, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano.
