Cotabato City—On September 9, 2024, Congressman Zia Alonto Adiong of the 1st District of Lanao del Sur issued a heartfelt statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to sever the province of Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.
It is with profound sadness that we receive the recent Supreme Court decision, which effectively severs the province of Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Sulu has been a foundational part of the autonomous government in our region. Alongside Lanao del Sur, Sulu was one of the original provinces that formed the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), embodying the aspirations of our people for self-governance, peace, and development.
We in Lanao del Sur understood that the former ARMM voted as one—transitioning into the BARMM as a united front, not as separate provinces. The plebiscite question posed to the core areas, including Sulu, was clear: ‘Payag ba kayo na pagtibayin ang Batas Republika Blg. 11054 na kilala din bilang ‘Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’?’ It was a choice for or against the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), a question of system change on the socio-economic and political structure of the ARMM, not a question of territorial exclusion of either one of the original five provinces which used to comprise the regional autonomous government.
Sulu and its people have always been central to the cause for autonomy. It was their bravery that ignited the fire that would ultimately forge the BARMM. The struggles and sacrifices of the Tausūg have laid the groundwork for the freedoms we now enjoy. Their unwavering commitment to our shared dream of autonomy and peace is deeply ingrained in the history of the Bangsamoro.
While we respect the decision of the Supreme Court, the loss of Sulu leaves a deep void in the Bangsamoro homeland. These are political tremors that endanger the very foundation of a unified Bangsamoro. With the departure of Sulu, the remaining provinces must now ask themselves whether the door has been opened for their own departure. The cracks in this collective struggle for autonomy may undo the decades of effort that brought us to this point. We all find ourselves back in square one.
We hold close the hope that our shared history, struggles, and aspirations will continue to bind us together, even in the face of this separation. We will continue to work toward a future where all Bangsamoro people, regardless of boundaries, can prosper and thrive in unity.
In this time of difficulty, we call upon our brothers and sisters in Sulu and throughout the Bangsamoro to remain steadfast, to remember our shared vision of peace, and to continue advocating for what is best for all Bangsamoro.”**
This statement reflects the deep emotional and political impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on the Bangsamoro community, highlighting the historical significance of Sulu in the struggle for autonomy and the potential challenges ahead for the BARMM.
