PROPOSED flag of the Federal Republic of Mindanao. Resolution adopted during Mindanao-wide consultations calls for peaceful pursuit of independence under international law.
Photo by Perseus Echeminida
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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A resolution adopted during a series of Mindanao-wide consultative meetings will be submitted to the United Nations Committee on Decolonization for deliberation and possible action, a Daily Tribune source said on Wednesday.
The source, a United Nations official based in New York, said the Mindanao-wide consultations are among the requirements for the UN to deliberate on the belligerency status of Mindanao.
“It will need only one UN member country to endorse or recognize the independence of Mindanao to start the decolonization process,” the source said.
During a consultative meeting held at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, a resolution was passed calling for a peaceful struggle to free Mindanao from what organizers described as “Manila imperialism” and to elevate its status to a belligerent entity as an independent federal state under existing international laws.
The resolution was an offshoot of the ongoing Mindanao State of the Nation Conference held on Saturday at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in the city, attended by leaders from provinces in Northern Mindanao.
The resolution declares:
“Whereas this resolution is a direct declaration of the country’s economic issues and problems affecting the people of Mindanao, with serious concern and a call for a united front and alliances in Mindanao.
“Whereas this resolution presents tangible, practical, and doable solutions to free Mindanao from the bondage of imperialism—an imperialist thinking of inequality since time immemorial.
“Whereas the Mindanao People’s Conference is organized to form an alliance composed of civic-minded citizens fully committed to the future and development of an island blessed with natural beauty and human resources.
“Whereas the country’s political and economic situation, vis-à-vis current developments in the government system, has become endemic and critical, requiring drastic and decisive solutions.
“Whereas the call for alliance among Mindanaoans is a command responsibility, given the urgency of the current situation, to unite and move in one direction toward freeing Mindanao from the bondage of Manila imperialism.
“Whereas the idea of Mindanao independence is a bygone sentiment that needs revival, urging peaceful struggle and a united stand to elevate its status to a belligerent entity operating as an independent federal state under existing international laws.”
The resolution states that it was passed and adopted on 27 December 2025 during the People’s Consultative Conference held in Cagayan de Oro City.
Organizers said the resolution will be submitted to the People’s Congress, which will be held either in Cagayan de Oro City or Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Participants in the Mindanao-wide consultations from Western, Central, and Northern Mindanao aired similar sentiments that a peaceful transition of political power does not depend on armed struggle.
Ranque said even the mainstream Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), during a consultative conference at Jonel Hall in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, submitted a resolution abandoning armed struggle and joining the call for peaceful Mindanao independence using what they described as the “Kosovo model.”
“Armed struggle is already obsolete. We join the call for independence peacefully using the Kosovo model, urging the United Nations to conduct a plebiscite and let the people decide,” the resolution said.
“Armed struggle is already obsolete as proven in Syria and other countries. We adopt the peaceful strategy used by Kosovo in attaining self-rule,” it added.
MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari also declared the independence of Mindanao in 2013 after then-President Benigno Aquino III terminated peace talks for the final review of the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The MNLF flag was later hoisted in Davao City as the start of a campaign to gain international recognition, with Davao declared as the capital of the Bangsamoro Republik of Mindanao (BMR).
A second attempt to raise the flag in Zamboanga City was foiled when government forces intercepted an MNLF contingent from Sulu, triggering three weeks of fighting between government forces and the MNLF.
Organizers said the Mindanao-wide consultations aim to forge a unified position on the country’s political situation, which they said has marginalized Mindanao in national development.
The consultations were held in Sultan Kudarat for Central Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, as well as in Northern Mindanao. The final leg is scheduled to be held in the Caraga region in January.
The original declaration of Mindanao independence was spearheaded by the late lawyer Reuben Canoy, who led a convention in 1986.
A founding member of the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM) said the movement could be revived if an independent country recognizes Mindanao’s independence, which could elevate its status to a belligerent entity under international law.
