STATEMENT OF MOHAGHER M. IQBAL IN RE: THE SEPARATION OF SULU FROM BARMM
September 11, 2024
There is no victory when part of you is suffering..
Though I welcome and give full respect to the Honorable Supreme Court for deciding once and for all the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), I cannot truly feel victorious because this would mean that our brothers and sisters in Sulu who voted for their inclusion in the BARMM, would be left behind.
What is Sulu to us?
Sulu is the home of our brave Tausug brethren who fought alongside with us in our pursuit for justice and the right to self determination. It is for this reason that we cannot afford to let them face this battle alone and leave them in the dark.
While this separation is so painful to us, this will be ephemeral. As your brother in Islam, we will do everything and take all positive steps to bridge the gap brought about by the decision and Insha Allah, we will not let you down.
Furthermore, we trust President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., that he will intervene to address the adverse effect to life, administration, operation and services to the affected people of Sulu.
To our brothers and sisters in Sulu, remain steadfast, for “Indeed what is to come will be better for you than what has gone by” (Quran 93:4)
MOHAGHER M. IQBAL
Chairman, Peace Implementing Panel
