MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim reiterated the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to exploring all possible avenues to maintain the vision of a united Bangsamoro, even in the face of the Supreme Court’s recent decision excluding the Province of Sulu from BARMM.
“We will carefully study the Supreme Court’s decision on Sulu’s exclusion with the commitment to explore all avenues to hold fast to the dream of a united Bangsamoro as well as ensure that the commitments enshrined in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be fully realized,” Ebrahim stressed.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Sulu is not only an essential part of the Bangsamoro but also holds deep historical and cultural significance to the region’s identity and struggle. He stated that the Bangsamoro would be incomplete without Sulu and its people.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, issued on September 9, declared Sulu as not part of BARMM due to the outcome of the 2019 plebiscite, where 54 percent of Sulu’s voters rejected the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
While the court upheld the validity of the BOL, it ruled that Sulu’s exclusion was following the result of the plebiscite. However, the Bangsamoro Government remains committed to inclusivity, understanding that the unity of the Bangsamoro people is vital to the region’s peace and progress.
“We remain hopeful that in time, the unity that binds the Bangsamoro people through history, struggle, and shared aspirations will prevail,” Ebrahim said.
Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Lawyer Pangalian Balindong echoed Ebrahim’s sentiment, emphasizing Sulu’s irreplaceable role in the Bangsamoro narrative. He said that the exclusion of Sulu would significantly impact the region’s projects, plans, and people.
“As we face the reality of this ruling, we are disheartened to see our progress set back. With the 2025 elections approaching and critical legislation yet to be finalized, this decision forces us to confront the challenge of reassessing and redrafting our laws. This is no small challenge, but it is one that we must confront with courage and resolve,” he said.
Balindong assured the people of Sulu that they would work closely with local leaders to address their concerns and create a thriving environment for all Bangsamoro. He also emphasized their solidarity with the people of Sulu during this difficult time, reaffirming their shared identity as one Bangsamoro community. (APB/with reports from BIO and BTA Parliament)
