Sulu resident relocates to Zamboanga Peninsula
The province of Sulu is now part of the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) following a Supreme Court ruling that declared its inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) unconstitutional. This change, which occurred on August 2025, came after the majority vote against inclusion in the 2019 plebiscite.
The Supreme Court's decision in favour of Sulu allowed the province to exit BARMM, upholding the decision of the people of Sulu in the 2019 plebiscite where they chose not to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 91 on July 30, 2025, transferring Sulu from BARMM to the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
The transition is designed to be smooth, with no jobs expected to be lost during the administrative shift. A technical working group (TWG) has been formed to ensure a seamless realignment, handling budget adjustments, staffing changes, and program transfers.
Seven Bangsamoro Parliament seats meant for Sulu are currently vacant due to the absence of a law reallocating them. Despite this, public services for the people of Sulu, including education, health, social services, and other essential services, will not be disrupted, according to the new governor, Macacua.
BARMM's Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has emphasized that the doors of BARMM remain open, with hopes for Sulu's eventual return to the region. He also noted that Sulu's relationship with the rest of BARMM will remain close. BARMM is still open to assisting and providing services to the people of Sulu, as permitted by the provisions of Republic Act No. 11054 or the BOL.
This report was made with a contribution from Ferdinandh Cabrera from our website.com. State-run PTV4 shared EO No. 91 on July 30. The first parliamentary polls for the BARMM are scheduled for October 13, with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) proceeding with the polls for only 73 seats.
Meanwhile, the TWG is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for Sulu, which was previously part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the predecessor of BARMM. Macacua has assured that BARMM will continue to champion the welfare of every citizen and the aspiration for a peaceful, just, and meaningful self-governance.
[1] Supreme Court ruling declares Sulu’s inclusion in BARMM unconstitutional. (2024, September 9). Retrieved from news.com.ph [2] Marcos signs EO transferring Sulu from BARMM to Zamboanga Peninsula. (2025, July 30). Retrieved from philstar.com [3] Sulu leaves BARMM, joins Zamboanga Peninsula. (2025, August 1). Retrieved from rappler.com [4] Macacua: BARMM remains committed to supporting Sulu. (2025, August 3). Retrieved from gmanetwork.com [5] PTV4 shares EO No. 91 transferring Sulu from BARMM to Zamboanga Peninsula. (2025, July 30). Retrieved from ptvnews.ph
- The Supreme Court's decision on Sulu's inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was found to be unconstitutional, marking a significant policy-and-legislation shift in the region's politics.
- The transition of Sulu from BARMM to the Zamboanga Peninsula region is part of a more extensive general-news event involving changes in policy-and-legislation, politics, and the political landscape of the regions in Muslim Mindanao.
