Sulu, Philippines – The growing number of passenger sea vessels operating within the province of Sulu and neighboring areas, such as Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, is a testament to the province’s improving economic situation and security conditions. Local businessmen have responded to the increasing demand for transportation by deploying more sea vessels to accommodate hundreds of passengers who travel daily.
Among the vessels now serving these routes are MB Sehada, MB Damisya, two MB Fatima Sharifa vessels, MB Miss Nurdaya, two Baby Marshelin ships, One Sister, Princess Bea, Andrada, and Alhanit. These vessels operate between island municipalities such as Jolo, Siasi, Lugus, and Tapul, as well as Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Departures are scheduled from the Jund’lan port at Barangay Chinese Pier, Jolo.
A trip from Jolo to Bongao takes approximately eight hours, with vessels departing at 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. daily. The fare for this route is set at ₱1,000. Shorter routes, such as Jolo to Siasi, can be completed in just two hours at a cost of ₱380, while the fare from Jolo to Lugus is ₱270.
This increase in sea vessels is seen as a direct response to the growing economic activity in Sulu, where local businesses have started to flourish after years of being hindered by security concerns. The recent improvements in the security landscape, largely attributed to heightened efforts by the Philippine military and local authorities, have played a crucial role in making travel and commerce within Sulu more accessible and safer. The resulting economic boost has allowed for the development of more transportation options, benefiting residents and businesses alike.
The enhanced security situation in Sulu, long plagued by conflict and instability, has fostered a more conducive environment for trade and daily commuting. With fewer security threats, both locals and tourists are increasingly willing to travel within the province and beyond, signaling a positive shift in Sulu’s long-term prospects for peace and development.
As local authorities continue to work on improving infrastructure and security, it is expected that Sulu’s economic growth will further accelerate, benefiting not only the residents of the province but also the entire region of BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).
