Moro Netizens React to Supreme Court’s Decision on Sulu’s Exclusion from BARMM

COTABATO CITY (September 14, 2024) — Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that Sulu should not be included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Moro netizens have taken to social media to express their diverse reactions and concerns.

The Court’s decision, which came after Sulu’s rejection of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, has ignited a robust discussion online. Many Moro citizens are voicing their thoughts, highlighting a spectrum of emotions regarding the ruling’s implications for regional cohesion and governance.

“It’s not just about redrawing administrative boundaries,” said Ian Jajrn in a Facebook post. “Sulu’s exclusion from the Bangsamoro could have profound effects on its cultural and historical ties to the region. The connection between land and identity is deep, and this separation might leave many feeling detached from a shared heritage. It’s crucial to consider how such decisions impact not only governance but also the people’s sense of belonging.”

Abdelmajid Tupay Habib Hussin, a staff member from the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism of the BARMM, also shared his thoughts on Facebook: “It’s genuinely disheartening to hear about the Supreme Court’s decision to exclude Sulu from BARMM. Even though I live in Basilan, Sulu is where my family roots lie and where our struggle for self-determination began.

This decision seems to overlook the voices of those who truly understand what Sulu represents in the Bangsamoro struggle. It feels as though the sacrifices of those who fought for our rights and autonomy are being disregarded.”

Reen YH, a Peace Fellow, echoed similar sentiments: “I can’t envision BARMM without Sulu, or Sulu without BARMM. The connection between the two is more than geographical—it’s historical, cultural, and deeply personal for many of us. Any division risks undermining the unity we’ve worked so hard to achieve and could impact the stability and development of the Bangsamoro region as a whole.”

Meanwhile, the United Youth for Peace in Development (UNYPAD) in a statement released on Tuesday, September 10 said that they called upon all leaders and stakeholders to engage in dialogue and consultation, seeking peaceful resolutions that honor the voices and aspirations of the people of Sulu. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we work collectively for the continued progress of the Bangsamoro, ensuring that no one is left behind,” it added. (Gandhi C.Kinjiyo, BMN/BangsamoroToday)