In a recent turn of events, a group led by former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) member, Professor Noreen Pallong, filed a petition to the Supreme Court, raising concerns over the exclusion of Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This move has prompted the MNLF to release an official statement disassociating itself from Pallong’s actions.
The statement, released by Atty. Randolph Bong Parcasio, spokesperson for MNLF Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari, clarified that the petition was a personal initiative of Pallong’s group and does not reflect the stance of the MNLF Central Committee. The MNLF leadership further emphasized that Pallong’s actions are not supported or endorsed by the organization.
Background of the Petition
The petition in question seeks to challenge the inclusion of Sulu within the BARMM, a highly autonomous region created through the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). The law, passed in 2018, grants the region significant political autonomy to foster peace and development in the historically conflicted Mindanao region. However, Sulu, a province in the southwestern part of the Philippines, has seen a divide in political opinion regarding its integration into the BARMM.
Prof. Pallong’s petition claims that Sulu’s exclusion would allow the province to better handle its own affairs, separate from the regional structure of BARMM. Pallong and his group have cited historical and political differences between Sulu and other areas within the BARMM as part of their rationale.
Disassociation from MNLF
The MNLF statement stressed that Pallong, who previously held the position of Head of Foreign Affairs within the organization, was removed from his post for violating MNLF rules and policies. His removal has since rendered his actions independent of the MNLF leadership. According to Atty. Parcasio, Pallong’s involvement in the petition is “a personal initiative” and not aligned with the official policies of the MNLF.
The organization reiterated its commitment to the principles of peace, justice, and self-determination for the Bangsamoro people and urged the public to disregard any statements or actions made by Pallong that might appear to represent the MNLF.
Broader Implications
The petition adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding the BARMM, particularly regarding the inclusion of various provinces and their autonomy within the region. While the MNLF, under Misuari’s leadership, has historically played a significant role in the peace process in Mindanao, Pallong’s faction appears to represent a differing perspective on the BARMM’s current structure.
The MNLF’s clarification underscores the delicate balance within the Bangsamoro peace process, where unity among its leaders and factions is key to sustaining the progress made in recent years.
The Supreme Court’s response to the petition remains to be seen, but the implications could resonate across the political landscape of the region, potentially reshaping the dialogue surrounding Sulu’s place within the BARMM.
