Ipinaalala ni Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., ang mahalagang papel ng pagkakaisa sa pagsulong ng kapayapaan, kaunlaran, at kasaganaan para sa Pilipinas matapos manawagan si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ng isang independent Mindanao. 

“When we, as Filipinos, are united, there is peace, development and prosperity. But when we, as a people, are divided, there is instability, underdevelopment and disorder,” pahayag ni Galvez.

Ayon sa kanya, ang panawagang ihiwalay ang Mindanao ay salungat sa Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas, at binigyang-diin na ang pagkakaisa ay napakahalaga, lalo na sa panahon na ang bansa ay ngayon pa lamang nararamdaman ang mga positibong resulta ng kapayapaan matapos ang deka-dekadang kaguluhan sa Mindanao.

“The dividends of peace are upon us and are now being felt by everyone. The members of these former revolutionary groups are now playing an active part in nation-building,” dagdag ng kalihim. Binigyang-diin din niya ang kanilang mga ambag sa pagpapalaganap ng tunay na kapayapaan at pangmatagalang kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro sa pamamagitan ng inclusive, people-centered moral governance.

“Mindanao has already shed its image as a land of volatility, violence and armed struggle. It has now become a symbol of hope, mutual understanding and solidarity, and most of all, a shining example that good things come to those who choose the path of peace,” giit ni Galvez.

Sa huli, hinikayat niya ang mga Pilipino na huwag bumalik sa nakaraan kundi yakapin ang mga aral na natutunan mula sa kasaysayan at piliin ang landas ng kapayapaan.

“We cannot afford to go back to square one. We must learn our lessons from the past and apply these to all aspects of our life as peace-loving citizens. Let us always choose peace and remain united, as it is the only way to move forward as one people and one nation.”