MANILA, Feb. 5 -- The call by former president Rodrigo Duterte to break Mindanao from the Republic has faced opposition from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In a statement on Monday, the DOJ said it "vehemently opposes calls for the secession of Mindanao or other parts of the country, and stands firmly against any attempts to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines, as enshrined in the Constitution."

The DOJ explained that secession is regarded as contrary to the principles of the country's democratic society, as stated in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.

"As the principal law agency of the Executive branch, the DOJ remains committed to protecting our sovereignty and upholding the sanctity of the hig...