Reps. Zia Alonto Adiong (First District, Lanao del Sur) and Francisco Paolo V.P. Ortega (First District, La Union) said the two former national leaders should abandon the idea for a secession of Mindanao.

Noting that their intentions may have been misconstrued by many, Alvarez and Duterte allayed fears of an extra-constitutional attempt to dismember Philippines.

“What we intend to do is resort to reason and tap the peaceful and common aspirations of the Mindanaoan people,” Alvarez, a congressman representing Davao del Norte said.

“Legitimate and lawful exercise yan ng aming constitutional rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and organization. The armed forces and the PNP are duty-bound to respect those rights. They should remember this before they say reckless things, lalo na't armado sila,” stressed the former House leader.

Adiong decried the move as unconstitutional while Ortega stressed that it runs counter from the Bible standpoint.

"This attempt to separate Mindanao from the Philippines is not only unconstitutional but also a blatant disrespect to our duly constituted authority. We cannot allow the integrity of our nation to be compromised by such reckless actions,” said Adiong in a statement.

The neophyte lawmaker emphasized that “we should not subject Mindanao to another conflict which would exacerbate barely healed trauma from past experiences.”

“President Marcos has unequivocally stated that such an undertaking is unconstitutional, and as a nation, we must honor and respect his position as the duly elected leader,” he added.

For his part, Ortega dared Duterte to demonstrate patriotism by reconsidering his support for a separate Mindanao.

"Let us remember the wisdom of the Scriptures: 'Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.' It is crucial that we uphold the unity and integrity of our nation,” Ortega said.

Ortega asserted that the secessionist movement would deepen divisions among Filipinos already grappling with post-pandemic challenges.

"The call for Mindanao's separation at this critical juncture will only exacerbate the divisions and challenges our country is facing. Instead, we should be focusing on fostering unity and rebuilding our nation," Ortega pointed out.