There's something iffy going on in the comment section whenever I see posts criticizing this Mindanao state hyped by Duterte lately. As someone from Mindanao, I agree it's ridiculous wishful thinking and how it's currently rationalized is shallow.

But then I see these comments labelling Mindanao as "pabigat" and that it would be better for the rest of the Philippines if they did become independent so they will turn into a failed state akin to Somalia. Then it's doubled down with how doesn't even generate enough income and is a welfare drain.

The thing is, the comments above are what fuels these unironic regionalism. Wishing for an entire population (who don't even share the same sentiment) to suffer just to point out how their economy is driven out of the "charity" of the more developed parts of the country will be what will convince more people to join that separatist cause. The whole "Imperial Manila/Luzon" is driven by this narrative of economic dependence that was set in stone during the colonial period and it's pretty hard to just change that; this is true for a lot of post-colonial nations.

It's ok to point out how economically and politically unstable Mindanao is, because it is a fact. An independent Mindanao state can only be an alternate history scenario at this point. But doubling down and devaluing the entire region and its people just to prove your point is not convincing anyone to listen.

It matters that "their feelings are hurt" because you're giving them a sample of what you really think about them. This is dangerous as it can further the rift between the regions and unironically legitimize the stupid premise in the first place.