COTABATO CITY– The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has officially secured key oil and gas exploration contracts in the Sulu Sea, marking a significant milestone in the region's pursuit of energy security and greater fiscal autonomy.

The ceremonial signing of the Petroleum Service Contracts (PSCs) took place on October 08, 2025, at Malacañang Palace, with the Bangsamoro Government officials joining the national leadership for the momentous occasion.

The contracts cover Pre-Determined Areas (PDA) BP-2 and BP-3, which are now designated as Bangsamoro Service Contract 80 (BSC 80) and Bangsamoro Service Contract 81 (BSC 81), respectively, both situated in the resource-rich Sulu Sea.

The award of the PSCs is the result of the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Bid Round, a joint initiative launched by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the BARMM's Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE). This joint effort is hailed as a pivotal step in harnessing the region's natural resources to promote energy security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the BARMM.

A Step Towards Sovereignty and Shared Resources

In a statement, Engr. Nasiri Abas, Bangsamoro Director General of Energy Services at MENRE-BARMM, expressed the significance of the agreement.

"The recent ceremonial signing of the two Pre-Determined Areas BP-2 and BP-3 in the Sulu Sea Basin... gives the Bangsamoro government a sense of sovereignty," said Abas.

He highlighted that these offshore areas, located beyond the 15-kilometer municipal waters of Mapun in Tawi-Tawi, fall within the Zone of Joint Cooperation between the BARMM and the National Government. This arrangement is in direct compliance with Section 10, Article XIII of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which mandates the joint exercise of power to grant rights and concessions over the exploration, development, and utilization (EDU) of fossil fuels within the Bangsamoro's territorial jurisdiction.

"Who would have thought that the Bangsamoro could reach this level of autonomy, allowing us to actively participate in the decision-making process and, more importantly, to have a share of resources, revenues, and benefits that would potentially boost the fiscal resources of the BARMM," Abas remarked, underscoring the contracts' potential to significantly enhance the region's economy.

Environmental Safeguards Assured

Addressing concerns from local communities, particularly regarding the potential impact on the Sulu Sea's marine ecosystems, Abas offered a firm commitment to environmental protection.

"We also understand and deeply respect the concerns raised by stakeholders," he acknowledged. 

"However, rest assured that on the part of MENRE, having an oversight function as part of the Joint Management over these EDU activities, we will do our utmost to safeguard against the potential environmental impact of these activities," he said.

Abas gave a strong assurance that "No drilling or development will proceed without strict compliance with environmental laws and safeguards that MENRE is imposing."

The Director General concluded with a call for unity, urging the public to "give peace and development a chance to have a brighter future ahead for the Bangsamoro."

The successful awarding of the PSCs marks a new era of shared governance and resource development between the National and Bangsamoro Governments, paving the way for potential major discoveries that could transform the region's energy landscape.