MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally declared the province of Sulu as part of Region IX or the Zamboanga Peninsula, removing it from the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following a Supreme Court ruling finalized earlier this year.

The declaration is contained in Executive Order No. 91 signed by President Marcos and Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on July 30. The order mandates the uninterrupted delivery of government services and a phased transition of governance in Sulu.

The move follows the 2024 Supreme Court resolution that affirmed with finality Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM. In the 2019 plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Sulu voted against joining the new autonomous region, though it was later included in BARMM by virtue of the majority vote from the then-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

While the high court recognized Sulu’s exclusion, it clarified that decisions and policies made while Sulu was part of BARMM should not be automatically nullified, noting implications on governance, financial allocations, and administrative structures.

President Marcos emphasized the urgency of implementing the high court’s ruling while ensuring continuity in public service.

“During the interim period, which covers Fiscal Year 2025, the Provincial Government of Sulu, along with its component LGUs (local government units), and relevant National Government Agencies (NGAs), shall make all reasonable efforts to facilitate a phased and seamless transition,” the President said.

“Further, the Bangsamoro Government, the Provincial Government of Sulu and its component LGUs, may, in accordance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations, enter into appropriate institutional arrangements or mechanisms aimed at sustaining the implementation and financing of PAPs (programs, activities, and projects), thereby ensuring the continuity and uninterrupted delivery of government services to their respective constituents,” he added.

The President also directed all concerned national government agencies to recognize Sulu under Region IX for purposes of regional administration, development planning, investment programming, budgeting, and other applicable functions.

To oversee the implementation of the transition, a technical working group (TWG) will be created, chaired by the Department of Budget and Management and composed of relevant national agencies, BARMM agencies, and the governor of Sulu. The TWG will address transition issues, coordinate activities, and perform other duties as assigned by the President or Executive Secretary.