Marcos pledges orderly shift of Sulu from BARMM to Zamboanga region

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to facilitate a smooth transition of Sulu province from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Region 9, also known as the Zamboanga Peninsula region. The presidential commitment comes following significant judicial action on the matter of provincial jurisdiction and autonomous governance in Mindanao.

On September 9, 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Republic Act No. 11054, known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which established the BARMM framework. However, the high court's decision clarified that Sulu province falls outside BARMM's territorial jurisdiction, effectively placing it within the Zamboanga Peninsula administrative region.

The ruling represents a significant development in the decades-long question of provincial boundaries and autonomous governance in the southern Philippines. The transition is expected to affect the province's administrative structure, representation, and access to regional services and development programs.

The President's assurance of an orderly transition suggests the national government is preparing comprehensive measures to ensure minimal disruption to provincial services and governance during the jurisdictional shift. Further details regarding the timeline and implementation mechanisms for the transition are expected to be announced by relevant government agencies.