Cotabato City – Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the Peace Implementing Panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), expressed his concerns over the Supreme Court's decision to exclude the province of Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). 

While acknowledging the court's ruling on the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), Iqbal emphasized that "there is no victory when part of you is suffering."

 

Iqbal highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the MILF and the Tausug people of Sulu, who fought alongside them for justice and self-determination. He said that the MILF cannot abandon their brothers and sisters in Sulu, vowing to "do everything and take all positive steps to bridge the gap" caused by the court's decision.

 

"What is Sulu to us? It is the home of our Tausug brethren who fought alongside with us," Iqbal said, expressing his commitment to supporting the people of Sulu. 

"This separation is so painful to us, but it will be ephemeral. We will not let you down," Iqbal said.

 

Iqbal also expressed confidence in President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. to address the negative impact of the decision on the people of Sulu, urging them to "remain steadfast.

 

The Supreme Court's decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming the clarity it brings to the implementation of the BOL while others express concern over the potential for further division and instability in the region. 

The MILF's commitment to supporting the people of Sulu, despite the court's ruling, underscores the importance of unity and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro peace process.