Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs, Almarim Centi Tillah, expressed strong criticism regarding the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that excludes Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Tillah warned that this decision could potentially ignite further unrest in the region, raising concerns of a “third wave of war” in the province.
Tillah emphasized the lack of consultation with the people of Sulu, highlighting a long-standing issue where decisions affecting Mindanao have been made by national leaders in Manila without adequate local input. He referenced past grievances with “Imperial Manila,” stressing that the people of Sulu should have been involved in discussions about their future.
“Any decision by the government that directly impacts the people must involve consultation first,” Tillah said. “For too long, Manila has been deciding for us. When Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was still a senator, I urged him to address the issue of Sulu. It is unacceptable that decisions continue to be made without local involvement.”
He also revealed that despite being appointed as the Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs, he was not consulted on this critical decision. “I sent memos to the President explaining why decisions should not be made solely in Manila. But I have yet to receive a response from the Office of the President,” Tillah added.
The root of the controversy stems from a 2019 plebiscite, initiated by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, which led to the province’s exclusion from BARMM. Tillah expressed his disapproval of the plebiscite, calling it a “product of war” and reiterating that key figures and communities were not consulted. “You need to consult the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commanders. Nur Misuari, a major figure in Mindanao, was not consulted. Civilians, too, were left out,” Tillah said, referring to the founding leader of the MNLF.
He expressed serious concern that the Supreme Court’s ruling would exacerbate tensions in the already volatile province. “There is rising frustration in Sulu and within the MNLF ranks. I’m warning the government that this decision could provoke a third wave of conflict.”
The exclusion of Sulu from BARMM followed the 2019 plebiscite where a majority of the province voted against the inclusion of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which paved the way for the creation of the BARMM. However, this decision remains contentious, with differing opinions within Sulu and Mindanao’s broader Muslim community. Critics argue that Sulu’s exclusion undermines the very goal of establishing peace and self-governance in the region.
Tillah’s warning underscores the fragile peace in Mindanao, which has been shaped by decades of armed conflict between Muslim insurgents and the government. The potential for renewed conflict highlights the urgent need for continued dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes to resolve the region’s complex political challenges.
