Following the recent Supreme Court decision to exclude Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) held a forum titled “SC and Sulu Exit: Implications for the Quest for Peace in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.” The forum took place on October 3, 2024, at Virata Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
As a leading academic institution in Islamic studies, the UP IIS organized the event to provide a platform for Muslim scholars, academics, legal professionals, and peace advocates to delve deeply into this significant issue. The forum aimed to foster a comprehensive discussion on the ruling’s potential impacts on peace and stability in the region.
Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi emphasized the forum’s importance, noting that the Supreme Court’s decision had elicited a spectrum of reactions. “While a large segment of the Bangsamoro community celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision on the Bangsamoro Organic Law, many Tausug – especially those who identify with the concept of Bangsa Sug – had mixed reactions,” he stated. “Some expressed a sense of freedom, others felt indifferent, while peace advocates and those directly affected were surprised or disappointed.”
The forum featured notable experts in peace negotiations and legal studies. Among them were Atty. Soliman M. Santos Jr., a former RTC Judge of Naga City; Presidential Adviser Almarim C. Tillah from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs; Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, former GPH Chief Negotiator; and Atty. Algamar A. Latiph, lawyer and human rights advocate, who, together with his counsel, filed a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court on its decision to exclude Sulu. Their insights led to productive discussions on the ruling’s implications and potential ways forward.
Atty. Santos Jr. expressed strong reservations about the Supreme Court’s decision, calling the exclusion of Sulu from BARMM “an absurdity that defeats the goal of a unified autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao and a cohesive Bangsamoro identity.” He suggested that addressing the issue would require a dual approach on legal and political fronts to potentially reintegrate Sulu into BARMM.
Presidential Adviser Tillah underscored the importance of “consultation.” He cautioned that without direct input from affected communities, any decision made by the Supreme Court risks failure. Building on this point, Prof. Ferrer referenced the 2019 plebiscite’s outcome, arguing that the Court’s ruling reflects Sulu’s right to self-determination.
During the Q&A session, participants contributed diverse perspectives. A university professor and practicing lawyer highlighted the need for political intervention, suggesting that Sulu residents themselves should have an opportunity to build consensus on whether to remain separate or rejoin BARMM. “There is still a lot to be done,” she observed, “including ensuring that the people of Sulu can genuinely discuss and decide on their future within or outside BARMM.”
The Supreme Court’s declaration on September 9, 2024, coincided with UP’s annual commemoration of Martial Law, a historical event remembered for its lasting impact on Philippine society. Just as the commemoration emphasizes learning from history to prevent repeating past injustices, discussions like those around Sulu’s status underscore the need for comprehensive understanding and informed discourse on critical issues affecting national unity and peace.
UP continues to play a crucial role in promoting peace and development in the region, helping to address complex issues like the recent Supreme Court decision and Sulu’s exit from BARMM. Through forums such as this, UP through UP IIS provides an essential space for dialogue and reflection, contributing to the broader efforts toward a peaceful and cohesive Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago.
