Galvez rejects Mindanao terror tag

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday strongly rejected what he described as unjust and misleading insinuations branding Mindanao as a “terror hotspot” following reports linking the Bondi Beach tragedy in Australia to the travel history of the perpetrators.

In a statement, Galvez’s office extended its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the “horrific violence” in Bondi and expressed solidarity with the Australian people.

“We stand in solidarity with the Australian people, calling for global healing and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life,” Galvez said.

However, Galvez said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity “firmly rejects” any claims associating Mindanao with terrorism, stressing that such assertions are unvalidated and are unfair to the people of the region.

“These claims are not only unvalidated by intelligence, but they are also deeply unjust to the peace-loving people of Mindanao,” he said, adding that the narratives ignored the “monumental strides” made in transforming the region from conflict toward peace and development.

Galvez cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s earlier remarks rejecting “in the strongest terms the recent misleading claims that portray our country as a training hotspot for terrorism.”

The President made the statement during the 90th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, emphasizing the government’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and secure communities.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año also dismissed the allegations, saying that “a mere visit does not support allegations of terrorist training,” noting that the reported duration of stay of the perpetrators “would not have allowed for any meaningful or structured training.”

According to Galvez, Mindanao’s current identity is shaped by the successful implementation of peace agreements, the reintegration of former combatants, and gains from the Bangsamoro peace process, which he said has helped transform the region into a hub of stability and economic growth.

“We call upon the international media to exercise discernment and responsibility,” Galvez said.

“Branding an entire region based on the transient movements of individuals creates dangerous generalizations that unfairly stigmatize a population that has sacrificed so much for stability,” he added.

Galvez warned against allowing unverified reporting to undermine hard-won peace gains and sow division, urging stakeholders to focus instead on healing, reconciliation, and building a shared future grounded on truth and respect for human dignity.