In a press statement issued on Friday (February 2), retired Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. urged Filipinos to reject any movement pushing for a separate Mindanao state.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim also thumbed down the proposal.

Galvez, presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity, was Duterte’s appointee as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2018. After his retirement, Duterte gave him his current appointment, which was renewed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year.

“Let us therefore turn away from any call or movement that aims to destabilize our beloved nation, especially to separate Mindanao fromt he rest of the country,” Galvez said.

He decried the proposal for a separate Mindanao state as unconstitutional.

Earlier, Duterte disclosed that a secession proposal will be pursued by him and former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez , who also served as House leader during Duterte’s term as president.

The idea, however, was met with a resounding rejection from various quarters, including political leaders from Mindanao.

For his part, Ebrahim said BARMM will continue to support the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro which was signed during the presidency of Duterte.

“We, therefore, urge everyone to help protect the gains of the peace processes, Let us continue to support the current administration and allow peace and civility to reign over the affairs of our land,” said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.

Galvez said the public should realize that the country is now benefitting from the sucessful peace process in Mindanao that resulted in the grant of autonomy to the Bangsamoro people.

“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.” he said.