A Shared History: The Case of Sulu and BARMM

We acknowledge and respect the rule of law and the constitutional processes that guide the governance and territorial organization of our nation. Recent developments, such as Executive Order 91 issued by the Office of the President, which officially designates Sulu as part of Region 9, reflect ongoing efforts to reorganize and streamline administrative boundaries. While we recognize the importance of legal and administrative measures, we believe that meaningful progress must be rooted in legal integrity and respect for the voices of the people.

It is important to emphasize that Sulu has historically been an integral part of the Bangsamoro, symbolizing the rich cultural, religious, and historical identity of the Bangsamoro people. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was established to recognize and uphold the autonomy, identity, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro community, which includes Sulu.

There is no Bangsamoro without Sulu. Sulu is not just a geographical location but the heart of the Bangsamoro identity. Its inclusion within BARMM is a matter of justice, self-determination, and shared history. The overarching goal remains the reintegration of Sulu into the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through a proper and legitimate legislative process. We firmly believe that a law shall be passed to reintegrate Sulu into BARMM because this is the true expression of the Bangsamoro people’s right to self-determination, governance, and autonomy.

While we continue to respect the rule of law and the existing legal frameworks, we assert that justice and historical realities demand a legal mechanism that explicitly restores Sulu’s rightful place within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The aspiration for genuine autonomy and self-determination cannot be denied or postponed indefinitely.

Our advocacy is rooted in the conviction that genuine peace, progress, and unity can only be achieved when the collective voice of our people, particularly those from Sulu, is acknowledged and honored through the proper legislative measures. We call on policymakers, lawmakers, and stakeholders to help prioritize the passage of a law that will reaffirm Sulu’s place in BARMM, recognizing that there is no Bangsamoro if there is no Sulu.

We remain committed to respecting the rule of law while actively championing the cause for justice, fairness, and historical truth. It is our hope and prayer that the legislative process will rapidly take into account this vital aspect of Bangsamoro identity and sovereignty.

Let us move forward together, united by our shared history, culture, and aspirations for a just, progressive, and autonomous Bangsamoro homeland. Allah knows best. (Note: BMN/BangsamoroToday shares this article with the author’s permission, Abdullah P. Salik, Jr.)