A prominent ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte has hinted at the idea of Mindanao breaking away from the Philippines to form an independent nation.
In a Facebook post on Friday, November 28, singer-songwriter and former PAGCOR board member Jimmy Bondoc alluded to the supposed emergence of a separate state.
“Republic of Mindanao, coming soon,” Bondoc wrote.
His post came shortly after the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected a petition seeking the interim release of Duterte, who has been detained in The Hague since March over cases of crimes against humanity linked to the deadly drug war of his administration.
Talks of Mindanao secession resurfaced in October when Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga claimed the island could have been comparable to Singapore if not for “Corrupt Politicians in the NCR.”
Bondoc’s statement drew sharp warnings from political commentator Jesus Falcis, who said the former official could face charges for advocating secession.
“Pakitawag ang PNP at DOJ pakisabi merong inciting to or conspiracy to commit sedition or rebellion,” Falcis said, noting that Bondoc could even lose his law license.
“Paki carbon copy sa email ang Supreme Court dahil abugado po ‘yan… Abugado pero nagtatawag for the dismemberment of the territorial integrity and unity of the Philippine Republic,” he added, stressing that Bondoc took an oath to uphold the Constitution, including Article 1 on national territory.
Bondoc ran for senator under PDP-Laban in the 2025 midterm elections as part of the Duterte-aligned “DuterTEN” slate but failed to enter the winning circle.