Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s unexpected proposal for Mindanao secession, ostensibly as a means to evade the International Criminal Court (ICC) probe and potential arrests, has garnered varied reactions.

While a considerable number of Filipino netizens express skepticism and concern about Duterte’s motives, particularly in light of his controversial move, several influential Muslim leaders remain steadfast in their belief that seeking independence at this moment is unwarranted.

According to a GMA News report, Muslim advocates reject Duterte’s call and choose not to participate in it.

Samira Gutoc, former assemblywoman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), expressed her skepticism, labeling Muslims as already “allergic” to separatist calls and dubbing Duterte as the “Master of Contradictory language.”

“With due respect po kay [former] President, syempre kami po ang pinaka-nabugbog ng secession, ng rebelyon. Si Sir Digong, baka expression nya ‘yun na kilalanin kami,” Gutoc remarked.

She emphasized that as young Muslim professionals, they reject the idea of secession and believe it should not even be a topic of discussion.

Supporting Gutoc’s sentiments, Rep. Zia Alonso Adiong highlighted the diversity of Mindanao, comprising 27 provinces, and noted the absence of a widespread clamor for separatism or independence.

Adiong stated, “We don’t see any indication or condition that would require the people in Mindanao to fight for independence.”

“Kasi if we talk about independence, it should be a widespread call, and the initiative perhaps would be coming from the grassroots. Malakas ang presence ng ating national government in terms of services, infrastructure and many others,” Adiong said

Critics on social media echo these sentiments, viewing Duterte’s call as a divisive and seditious tactic that risks unraveling years of peace talks and separatist resolutions.

One netizen on X, formerly Twitter, commented, “Duterte’s act of sedition would make Davao investment much worse, better start removing the troublesome Duterte clan sooner before it’s too late.”

In a recent press conference, Duterte outlined his plans for a peaceful movement advocating for a “separate and independent Mindanao.”

He insisted that the process would adhere to United Nations guidelines and not involve violence. Duterte clarified, “It is not rebellion, not a bloody one, but we will follow the process provided by the UN.”

Mindanao native and Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri expressed concern over the potential economic impact, cautioning against dividing the nation.

He emphasized, “I think we should slow down with the fighting because what is important is the welfare of the public.”

Amidst the controversy, some netizens find amusement in Duterte and his political ally, Davao del Norte 1st district representative Pantaleon Alvarez, advocating for Mindanao’s secession despite not being Muslims.

One netizen on X questioned, “I also cannot grasp on what grounds he and Pantaleon Alvarez want Mindanao to secede? Pero Duterte and Alvarez are not even Muslims.”