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In 2024, the Philippines is pushed to the forefront by the independence movement of Mindanao Island. Duterte launched the “independence movement“, and the Philippines is facing a major choice of being divided into two. Is this movement a strange move in political games or a new direction for regional development? Will the common people support it? Historical entanglements, abundant resources, and the promotion of key figures make this movement full of suspense. The international community has different attitudes, and the Philippine government firmly opposes it. Where will the future of Mindanao Island go? Let's deeply discuss this complex and crucial political storm and witness the turning point of the fate of the Philippines. Is this true? Dear viewers! Welcome back to our channel again! I am very glad to discuss today's topic with you! In the following video, we will independently analyze, explain and reveal for you! Let's start now! Duterte launched the independence movement of Mindanao Island. If the Philippines is divided into two, it's really a masterstroke. But do the common people of the Philippines support it? In February 2024, the independence movement of Mindanao Island once again attracted attention. Former Philippine president Duterte took the lead in launching the “independence“ movement of Mindanao Island, which caused a great uproar in the Philippines. This action of Duterte was strongly opposed by the government of current Philippine president Marcos. Government officials including National Security Adviser Arnold have expressed their positions one after another, firmly safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting the proposal to separate Mindanao Island from other regions of the Philippines, and stating that they will use force to combat any separatist attempt. At the same time, 53 congressmen from Mindanao Island jointly signed a declaration, publicly opposing the “independence“ movement of Mindanao Island initiated by Duterte. They believe that the current autonomous model of Mindanao Island is effective and support the efforts made by the Marcos government to solve the development problems of Mindanao Island, emphasizing the need for a “unified and sovereign Philippines.“ The independence movement of Mindanao Island has a long history, which can be traced back to the Middle Ages. After the rise of the Arab Empire, the Arabs advanced eastward and arrived at the Sulu Islands and Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines in the 15th century, establishing Islamic regimes such as the Sulu Sultanate, which was the first formal country in Philippine history. In the middle and late 16th century, the Spanish colonized the Philippines and tried to conquer Mindanao Island and forcibly promote Catholicism, resulting in a 300-year-long fierce conflict with the Sulu Sultanate. After Spain's defeat in the Spanish-American War, the Philippines was ceded to the United States. The United States also used violent means against the Muslims on Mindanao Island, but it also failed to successfully conquer it. The post-independence Philippine government inherited this difficult problem. Today, in the western region of Mindanao Island, Muslims who account for 10% of the total Philippine population live in clusters. Generally speaking, they have the wish to establish an independent country. Successive Philippine governments mostly represent the interests of Christians, which also exacerbates the contradictions between Mindanao Island and other regions of the Philippines in terms of religion, culture and resource allocation. The independence movement of Mindanao Island faces many obstacles. First of all, the Philippine government firmly opposes it, emphasizes safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejects any separatist attempt, and indicates that it will take tough measures including using force to stop it. Secondly, the Philippine army and police departments clearly stand in the camp of Marcos, providing strong support to stop the independence movement. Moreover, within Mindanao Island, not everyone fully supports independence. Some local officials and people realize the economic, social and political instability that independence may bring and are more inclined to solve problems within the existing framework. In addition, the international community generally recognizes the territorial integrity of the Philippines, and it is difficult for Mindanao Island to obtain widespread support internationally.
