Basilan—Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman expressed mixed emotions today following the Supreme Court’s recent decision validating the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). While he applauded the affirmation of the BOL, Hataman voiced his sadness and disappointment over the ruling that excluded Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“While we celebrate the Supreme Court’s decision on the BOL, we cannot hide our sadness and disappointment over the ruling that Sulu is not part of the Bangsamoro region,” declared Hataman, a former governor of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“Throughout history, Sulu has been the cradle of the struggle for a free Bangsamoro. From then until now, it remains a symbol of the Moro people’s fight against oppression,” he added.
The Supreme Court’s ruling confirmed the constitutional validity of the BOL, which established the BARMM in 2019. However, the decision to exclude Sulu from the BARMM boundaries has sparked mixed reactions across the region.
“The story of the brave warriors of Sulu is part of the Bangsamoro narrative. Many heroes and mujahideen from the Moro National Liberation Front hail from this province,” Hataman said. “Thus, the separation of Sulu from the Bangsamoro is a blatant denial of the significant contributions and important role played by the people of the province in the region’s history,” he continued.
Hataman also reflected on the broader impact of the court’s decision on the Bangsamoro movement. “The Bangsamoro is incomplete without Sulu. This is a major setback in our efforts to promote unity and solidarity among the provinces in the region,” Hataman said. “In our hearts and minds, Sulu will never be erased from the history of the Bangsamoro. We will continue to stand with them in their fight for their rights as Bangsamoro and Bangsa Sug.”
This statement underscores the complex emotions and political implications surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision, highlighting the historical and ongoing significance of Sulu in the Bangsamoro struggle for autonomy and unity.
