Without Sulu, the BARMM has no heart

On Sept. 9, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), but excluded the province of Sulu due to its electorate voting “no” in the 2019 plebiscite. This exclusion strikes at the very core of the BARMM’s purpose: to provide a viable mechanism for Muslim self-governance and sustainable development, addressing centuries of marginalization and conflict in Mindanao.

Since the BARMM’s creation, there has been cautious optimism. The region’s 7.5-percent economic growth in 2021, the second fastest among Philippine regions, reflects its potential to attract investments and improve lives. However, the exclusion of Sulu, a historical heartland of the Bangsamoro, raises serious concerns about the BARMM’s viability and inclusivity.

The BARMM’s establishment marked a bold step in accommodating the Bangsamoro’s aspirations within the framework of Philippine sovereignty. A sub-state model with substantial autonomy and resources, including an annual block grant of P83.4 billion, was designed to address the unique needs of Muslim Filipinos. Despite this progress, the exclusion of Sulu exposes cracks in the structure.

Sulu’s rejection of BARMM reflects a lack of trust, information, and assurance. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and the national government failed to engage and communicate effectively with the people of Sulu. Without tangible demonstrations of the benefits of inclusion, the province voted to remain outside the BARMM, influenced further by political dynamics such as Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan’s opposition.

The failure to address Sulu’s concerns is particularly glaring given its symbolic and strategic importance. For centuries, Sulu has been at the heart of the Bangsamoro identity. Yet, its people have been consistently left mired in poverty and neglect. The absence of information campaigns or developmental programs to counter Governor Tan’s opposition underscores a lack of seriousness in fostering unity.

Now, irony abounds as Governor Tan, a vocal critic of Sulu’s inclusion, opposes the Supreme Court decision and expresses interest in leading the BARMM. His shifting stance raises questions about personal motives overriding collective interests.

The exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM represents more than a structural issue; it is a test of the nation’s commitment to meaningful autonomy and peace. At a time when the BARMM stands poised to elect its first parliament, the absence of Sulu weakens the symbolic and practical foundation of this autonomy. Can the BARMM truly succeed without one of its most vital components?

By proceeding with scheduled elections while ignoring Sulu’s exclusion, the nation risks reducing the BARMM to a procedural exercise devoid of its heart. This superficiality undermines the aspirations of the Bangsamoro and the vision of a unified, peaceful Philippines.

If the BARMM starts without Sulu, the political gates might close, and inclusion may no longer happen down the road. Senate President Francis Escudero seeks to delay the first regular elections by another year (May 12, 2025 to May 11, 2026) to enable the BARMM to “reconfigure its jurisdictions as well as reallocate the seats of its 80-member parliament.” This idea aligns with the BTA resolution urging the extension but proposing a transition period to May 2028.

In the end, the Sulu electorate may have to go through another plebiscite. Meantime, here’s what we can do. To restore BARMM’s inclusivity and ensure its success, the following steps must be prioritized:

Renewed engagement with Sulu: Establish genuine dialogue with Sulu’s people to understand their grievances and rebuild trust. This requires transparent communication and active collaboration between the BARMM, the national government, and Sulu’s leadership.

Tangible development initiatives: Invest significantly in Sulu’s socioeconomic development to demonstrate the benefits of BARMM inclusion. Prioritize infrastructure, education, health, and livelihood projects to address the province’s longstanding challenges.

Policy reforms: Revisit the Bangsamoro organic law to address structural weaknesses and incorporate mechanisms for greater inclusion of communities like Sulu. Amendments should reflect lessons learned and aim to prevent further fragmentation.

The exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM threatens the very integrity of the Bangsamoro project. Sulu’s absence creates a void that undermines the region’s promise of unity and progress. To secure the BARMM’s future, both the national government and the BARMM leadership must act decisively to heal this fracture, reinvigorate trust, and ensure that all Muslim Filipinos see themselves in this grand vision of self-determination and peace. Without Sulu, the BARMM may still function—but it will do so without its heart.

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