PATIKUL, Sulu — Tension gripped parts of Sulu on Monday, December 29, after military forces blocked a scheduled general assembly of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Political Committee, following a newly approved provincial resolution that bans all MILF, BIAF, and BARMM-related activities anywhere in the province.
The ban was contained in Resolution No. 83-2025, unanimously passed during the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan session and approved by Governor Abdusakur Tan II. The resolution expresses the provincial government’s “strong opposition” to any MILF-affiliated operations or engagements within Sulu’s jurisdiction.
“Sulu is not part of BARMM” — Officials
In the five-page document, Sulu officials emphasized that the province has withdrawn from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and therefore does not recognize MILF authority over its political or security affairs.
“The province of Sulu hereby declares and affirms that… it does not recognize any political, administrative, or security authority of the MILF or its armed components within its territory,” the resolution reads.
It further argues that MILF-organized activities — reportedly “exploratory in nature” and linked to possible expansion of MILF influence in Sulu — lack legal authority and security clearance.
Officials said allowing such programs could risk misunderstanding, misencounter, or destabilization, contrary to local peace efforts.
Assembly Thwarted
The MILF Political Committee’s event, originally set in Patikul, did not push through after soldiers cordoned off the venue early Monday. A civilian-taken video shared to media showed military tanks and troops deployed, preventing any entry to the designated site.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reportedly alerted the provincial government that the activity had no approved clearance and involved areas not recognized as part of MILF-identified zones.
Peace — but under civilian governance
While Sulu reaffirmed support for the national peace process, the provincial board insisted that any peace-building efforts must be:
- civilian in nature
- legally authorized
- coordinated with local government, AFP, and PNP
- aligned with the Constitution
“This Resolution is issued not in opposition to peace, but in defense of peace… and the safety and welfare of the people of Sulu,” the measure states.
Jurisdictional stand-off expected
The passage of Resolution 83-2025 could heighten jurisdictional tension between the Sulu provincial government and BARMM authorities, particularly over MILF-affiliated political and security operations.
As of press time, the MILF Political Committee has not yet issued a public statement on the foiled assembly and the sweeping restrictions imposed by Sulu province.
Security forces remain on alert as local leaders call for calm while enforcing the controversial directive.