Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Ta'ala Wabarakatuhu.

The holy month of Ramadan will come to an end on Eid (April 10th, 2024), one of the most celebrated occasions of Muslims worldwide. It’s a beautiful celebration of the Muslim’s devotion and gratitude for all the goodness in life to their powerful almighty Allah and sharing love.

May we retain all the goodness we performed during the month of Ramadan, may Allah allow us all to reach another one of this blessed month in the coming years and continue to strive to be the best Muslim we can be.

On behalf of the BCPCH-Sulu, we would like to extend our warmest greetings to our fellow Muslims a 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐢-𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐄𝐢𝐝'𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐢 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐤! Let’s cherish this auspicious day with love, respect and devotion to our Allah. May this day shower prosperity, love and good health on you and your family.
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Commissoner Ardan D. Sali
BCPCH-Sulu

Pursuant to Bangsamoro Grand M***i Abdulrauf Guialani's guidance and pronouncement, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta' BARMM shall conduct the annual Moon Sighting Activity this Tuesday, April 09.

Watch the official declaration at the Bangsamoro Government’s official Facebook and YouTube handles and the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta's official page.

The sighting of the moon or lack thereof shall determine the end of fasting for the Holy Month of Ramadhan and subsequently, the celebration of Eid'l Fitr or the “Feast of Breaking the Fast.”

The Bangsamoro Government announces the designation of Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin K. Pendatun as its new official spokesperson.

For everyone’s information and guidance.

Congratulations, CabSec Pendatun!

The Bangsamoro Government announces the designation of Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin K. Pendatun as its new official spokesperson.

For everyone’s information and guidance.

Bangsamoro History Month
March 1-31, 2024

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐣𝐢 "𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐬" 𝐏. 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢

Nur Misuari was born on March 3, 1939, in Tapul, Sulu, Philippines. The fourth of ten children, his parents were of Tausug descent and came from Kabinga-an, Tapul Island. His father was Saliddain Misuari, who worked as a fisherman, and his mother was Dindanghail Pining. Nur Misuari is a direct descendant of Panglima Mahabasser Elidji, a Tausūg warrior and representative from the Sultanate of Sulu who he claims helped the Sultanate of Brunei forces under Sultan Muhyiddin during the civil war in northern Borneo, after which the eastern part of Sabah was rewarded to the Tausūgs by Sultan Muhyiddin. Misuari's father moved their family from Tapul to Jolo, Sulu when he was still young.

From 1949 to 1955, he attended Jolo Central Elementary School. From 1955 to 1958, he pursued his secondary education at Sulu National High School.Misuari's family struggled financially and was unable to pay for his college education. With the help of his teacher, he was able to apply for a Commission on National Integration scholarship and attend the University of the Philippines, Manila.

At first, Misuari enrolled in a liberal arts program with the goal of becoming a doctor. Even though his father "disliked" attorneys, Misuari changed his major to political science in his second semester with the intention of studying law. He was involved in a lot of the extracurricular activities offered by the institution, including debate. He enrolled in the University of the Philippines, Diliman College of Law after receiving his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of the Philippines in 1962. However, he left his legal studies in his second year after being persuaded to pursue a master's degree in political science by his mentor and current national author, Caesar Majul. In 1964, he completed his master's program in Asian studies at the Asian Center of the University of the Philippines, Diliman. In 1964, Misuari founded a radical student group called the Bagong Asya (New Asia). Together with Jose Maria Sison, he also founded the Kabataan Makabayan (Patriotic Youth).

Misuari received a position as a political science lecturer at the University of the Philippines through Cesar Adib Majul, and he held that position until his retirement on November 15, 1968. He was a founding member of the Mindanao Independence Movement, which sought to create an independent state in the southern Philippines, in the 1960s. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which demanded political reforms from the Philippine government and campaign for the creation of an independent democratic, Islamic state was founded by the Mindanao Independence Movement. Misuari used the non-implementation of the Tripoli Agreement. The Tripoli Agreement— first signed by Ferdinand Marcos and then incorporated and approved in the peace accord signed by former Philippine President Fidel Ramos in the 1990s—as justification for the MNLF. This deal created an autonomous area for Moros, of which Misuari assumed the role of governor.

In the early 1970s, the MNLF—led by Prof. Dr. Nur Misuari—was founded with the goal of gaining autonomy or independence for the Moro Muslim community in Mindanao. Historical grievances about land, identity, and political representation are at the heart of the war in Mindanao. The problems have their roots in a convoluted history of colonization and self-determination movements.

The MNLF was founded and directed toward promoting egalitarianism thanks in large part to Misuari's leadership. Both the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MNLF, represented by Nur Misuari, have signed peace agreements. These include the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, which was signed under the Organization of Islamic Conference's (OIC) auspices. Since its founding in 1972, the MNLF has had many successes despite many obstacles. The organization has persevered in battling for Hulah, Bangsa, and Agama in spite of these obstacles.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has granted the MNLF “observer status” and later recognized as the “sole representative of the Bangsamoro people”.

References:
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Wikipedia; Nur Misuari

PhilStar Global: "Duterte appoints Nur Misuari as special envoy to OIC" by Christina Mendez December 15, 2019

MNLF Moro National Liberation Front- Members of the OIC, PUIC page on March 5, 2024

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity OPAPRU; Goverment, MNLF Chair Nur Misuari agree to reconstitute joint peace body to sustain peace process in Mindanao

Mars Sarahadil via Facebook November 18, 2023

MNLF Moro National Liberation Front- Members of the OIC, PUIC page on March 5, 2024 PRESS RELEASE; Celebrating 56TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE MNLF: A TRIBUTE TO Prof. Nur Misuari

Bangsamoro History Month
March 1-31, 2024
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𝐓𝐮𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐪𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐮

The expansion of Islam began around 630 A.D. with Umar ibn Khattab, who brought North Africa and the Persian empire under Islamic rule. The second wave of expansion around 750 A.D. saw Islam reach India, Central Asia, and China. From China, Arab missionaries arrived in Sulu, located in the Philippines, in the mid-13th century.

Professor Muhammad Fatimi of Pakistan proposes two theories for the Islamization of Southeast Asia. The first, known as the eastern line of Islamization, suggests that Islam came to Sulu, Brunei, and the eastern side of the Malay peninsula directly from China. Arab missionaries reportedly arrived in Sulu on Chinese vessels that had been visiting the area for centuries.

The shrine of Muqbalu in Indanan, Sulu, supports this theory. Muqbalu's tombstone, imported from China, bears a lotus design common among Muslim tombstones in China. The inscription indicates that Muqbalu was a Muslim foreigner who died a martyr in Sulu in 1310 A.D. (710 Hijrah calendar). This suggests that Islam could have reached Sulu as early as 1280 or even 1250 A.D.

Based on this, the history of the Philippines can be periodized as follows:

- Pre-Islamic Era - Before 1250 A.D.
- Islamic Era - 1250 to 1450 A.D.
- Sultanate Era - 1450 to 1936
- Colonial Era - 1565 to 1946
- Republican Era - 1946 to present

The second theory, known as the western line of Islamization, suggests that Islam reached the western side of Indonesia and Malaysia directly from Hadramawt, a city in Yemen. Arab missionaries navigated across Africa, America, and Asia via sea routes.

Before Islam's introduction in Sulu in 1250 A.D., the region was made up of tribal communities with no centralized government. After Islam's arrival, the people learned to worship Allah, build nations, and develop writing systems. This led to the establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu in 1450, founded by Sayyid Abubakar. The Sultanate's power extended to what is now the Philippines.

The complete Islamization of Sulu took around 200 years, culminating in 1450 with the rise of the Sultanate. If the Spaniards hadn't conquered the northern territories of Visayas and Luzon, the entire country might have become a Muslim nation.

The spread of Islam from Sulu to Mindanao, then to Visayas and Luzon, is described as the Muslim line of historical development in the Philippines. The colonization of Visayas and Luzon in the 16th century by Spain opened the Christian line of historical development. These two lines of historical development, moving in opposite directions, led to the Sulu-Spain war that lasted for 320 years, from 1600 to 1889.

The current conflict in Sulu and Mindanao is an extension of these wars. The Muslims' two major fronts and other non-state armed groups were organized in response to the effects of the Christian line of historical development, particularly to defend Islam and the remaining Muslim territories.

After centuries of conflict, Muslims and Christians in the Philippines are now nominally united under one Republic. However, Muslims still long for Islam to become the ideological force in the entire Sulu archipelago, as they believe it is the key to a glorious future.

Source:
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Dr. Hannbal Bara

Photo source:
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Raja Baginda Ali via Facebook September 26, 2021

Good News!💕

𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑
𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐, 𝐬. 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐍𝐄-𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄
𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 (𝐀𝐁𝐄) 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘-𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐋 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐌 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒, 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘-𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒

Visit the Bangsamoro Gazette: https://officialgazette.bangsamoro.gov.ph/2024/03/26/admin-order-no-0002-s-2024/

𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑
𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐, 𝐬. 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐍𝐄-𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄
𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 (𝐀𝐁𝐄) 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘-𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐋 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐌 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒, 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘-𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒

Visit the Bangsamoro Gazette: https://officialgazette.bangsamoro.gov.ph/2024/03/26/admin-order-no-0002-s-2024/

5 years ago today, on March 29, 2019, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was officially inaugurated by then Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Bangsamoro History Month
March 1-31, 2024
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐮

The sultanate was established by Sharif ul-Hashim, a Johore-born explorer and Sunni Sufi religious scholar, who followed the Ash'ari Aqeeda and Shafi'i Madh'hab. He settled in Buansa, Sulu, and took the regnal name Paduka Mahasari Maulana al Sultan Sharif ul-Hashim, with Sharif-ul Hashim as his abbreviated name. The sultanate was founded either on 17 November 1405 or 1457. Abu Bakr, after marrying a local princess named Paramisuli, played a crucial role in the establishment of the sultanate. It gained independence from the Bruneian Empire in 1578.

At its height, the Sultanate of Sulu encompassed the islands along the western peninsula of Zamboanga in Mindanao to Palawan in the north. It also included territories in the northeastern part of Borneo, ranging from Marudu Bay to Tepian Durian in present-day Kalimantan, Indonesia. Additionally, the area extended from Kimanis Bay, overlapping with the boundaries of the Bruneian Sultanate. However, with the arrival of Western powers such as the Spanish, British, Dutch, French, and Germans, the Sultanate gradually lost its thalassocracy and sovereign political powers. By 1915, through an agreement with the United States, the Sultanate relinquished its authority. In the latter half of the 20th century, the Filipino government officially recognized the head of the royal house of the Sultanate, despite an ongoing succession dispute.

References:
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Saleeby (1870–1935), Najeeb Mitry. "The History of Sulu". www.gutenberg.org.

C, Josiah, Historical Timeline of The Royal Sultanate of Sulu Including Related Events of Neighboring Peoples, NIU, archived from the original on 29 April 2012, retrieved 21 December 2010.

"11 coins used by Filipinos before and during the Spanish Era". The Kahimyang Project. 5 November 2011.

Scott 1994, p. 177.
Abinales & Amoroso 2005, p. 44

Philippine Almanac & Handbook of Facts. 1977.

Usman, Edd (10 February 2010). "Heirs of Sulu Sultanate urged to attend general convention". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2010.

Cavendish 2007, p. 1178.
Ring, Trudy; Salkin, Robert M; La Boda, Sharon (January 1996).

International Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania. Taylor & Francis. p. 160. ISBN 978-1-884964-04-6.

Brunei, Muzium (1969). Brunei Museum Journal. The area from Kimanis Bay to the Paitan River not from Sulu but from Brunei

Cahoon, Ben. "Sabah". worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 9 October 2014. Sultan of Brunei cedes the lands east of Marudu Bay to the Sultanate of Sulu.

Bangsamoro History Month
March 1-31, 2024
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𝐈𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐚

A notable Muslim Filipino fiction writer, lbrahim Jubaira, who was born in 1920 in Sulu, has been respected and admired in the national and international communities as his stories provided non-moros with a look into the lives, hearts, and dreams of Muslim Filipinos.

As the most-recognized Muslim writer in English from the Philippines in the 1970s, Jubaira's works appeared in Graphic and Philippine Free Press magazines and were even included in the list of "Best Short Stories" by Jose Garcia Villa, where he received praise from the celebrated poet that made his entrance into the mainstream literary circle in the country.

Some of his well-known works include Blue Blood of the Big Astana, Mirror of Ancient Heritage, The Moslem Heritage, and A Canto of Summer, a collection of fifteen Moslem short stories from the heart of the southern Philippines.

With his contribution to Philippine literature, he was awarded the Golden Jubilee Award by the University of the Philippines in 1959. President Ferdinand Marcos also conferred on him the Presidential Medal and Certificate of Mertin Literature (1970) and the Republic Cultural Heritage Award (1978). Some of his books were also published in Sri Lanka, and several of his histories were anthologized both in the Philippines and abroad.

References:
____________

Amir Mawalil (Resurrecting Ibrahim Jubaira)

Peter G. Gowing (Muslim Filipinos-Heritage and Horizon)

Kritika Kultura (Landlessness, War and Displacement in Literatures of Mindanao and Sulu

Coeli Barry (Asia Research Institute Thammasat University Southeast Asian Studies Program

𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: The Office of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage- Sulu would like to call the attention of different 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐬 of Lupah Sug.
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘩
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘣𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘭 𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘋𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯
•𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘬𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘢-𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘢
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘮-𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘮
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘯
•𝘔𝘢𝘨 𝘢𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘢𝘮
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘩𝘪𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨-𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨
•𝘛𝘶𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘶'
•𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘬𝘶𝘬𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘨 𝘈𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘨
•𝘒𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢w/𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘵
•𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺(𝘗𝘢𝘬𝘶𝘬𝘶𝘴) etc.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MBYtpKA1ZNRyrKyYpMI-5d-p29ejicaB/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=114753600351879894883&rtpof=true&sd=true

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MBdzk6bgLa1ShUn3iE2QtTxfHcqQ-xpl/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=114753600351879894883&rtpof=true&sd=true

Please refer to the guidelines indicated in the form, you may send it to the email address of the office: [email protected] or you may personally deliver it to our office located at 2nd Floor, Yuuy Tong Bldg. Serantes St. Walled City, Jolo. If you have any further questions you may message our page: Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage- Sulu (bcpch-sulu) or contact our Community Affairs Officer, Mr. Nurkadri J. Hamsali thru contact number 0975-122-6734. Thank you and Wassalam.

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻: 𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗟 𝟯𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

𝑝𝒉𝑜𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠:
_________________
𝖨𝗇𝖽𝖺𝗃𝗂𝗇𝗂𝗌 𝖢𝗎𝗅𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖺𝗅 𝖠𝗌𝗌𝗈𝖼𝗂𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇
𝖩𝗂𝗇𝗂𝗆𝖺𝗋 𝖠𝗇𝗇𝗂 𝖯𝗁𝗈𝗍𝗈𝗀𝗋𝖺𝗉𝗁𝗒
𝖳𝖺𝗎𝗌𝗎𝗀 𝖬𝖺𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗂𝗒𝗎𝗍 𝖮𝖿𝖿𝗂𝖼𝗂𝖺𝗅
𝖣𝖾𝗉𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖳𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗂𝗌𝗆
𝖭𝖺𝗌𝗁 𝖠𝖻𝖽𝗎𝗁𝖺𝗃𝗂𝗅

Today, March 27, marks the 10th anniversary since the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a milestone that showcases the resilience of the Bangsamoro and their ability to overcome challenges. Despite the progress, there have been hurdles along the way.

This peace agreement signifies more than just an end to conflict; it symbolizes a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and understanding.

However, challenges remain, and the journey towards a truly peaceful region continues. Yet, amidst these obstacles, there is hope—a hope for a future where families no longer mourn the loss of innocent lives but instead celebrate the promise of a peaceful region. The CAB serves as a vital tool in addressing these ongoing challenges and fostering lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region.




𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

The CAB is the final peace accord, signed in 2014 between the Republic of the Philippines and the ex-combatants, that ended several years of the armed struggle of the parties herein.

It aimed to strengthen and implement various peacebuilding interventions, including constant negotiations, consultations, and dialogues for the advancement of the region and the entire country.

Further, this agreement paved the way for the establishment of the BARMM, a new autonomous entity, in 2019 as stipulated under Republic Act No. 11054, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Since then, the Government of the Day and the National Government have never halted their initiatives to ensure the general welfare of the Filipinos, resulting in lifelong peace.



𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

Under the peace accord, two important tracks are present—the political and the normalization tracks.

The former ensures meaningful self-governance for the Bangsamoro, leading to the creation of the BARMM as a new and democratic political entity, while the latter centers on the transformation of conflict-affected areas into peaceful and progressive communities, highlighting gradual normalization.



𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤

For the political track, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has already enacted five of its seven priority legislations, namely: the Bangsamoro Administrative Code, Bangsamoro Civil Service Code, Bangsamoro Education Code, Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.

As per BTA Parliament’s Committee on Ways and Means, it was discussed on March 20 the actions to be taken moving forward regarding the proposed Bangsamoro Revenue Code (BRC), the regional legislative body’s sixth priority code.

According to the report, the Parliament anticipates the Code’s approval by October this year.

The Code is relevant in regulating the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes, fees, and charges within the Bangsamoro region.

Joining the BRC is the Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples Code, which is among the priority codes that are yet to be approved by the Parliament.

Also, 16 Bangsamoro female parliamentarians are represented at the BTA Parliament, promoting equal opportunities and women’s rights through meaningful self-governance as aligned with the 12th priority agenda of Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, centered on the self-sustaining and inclusive development of Bangsamoro women.

The CAB is undoubtedly “pro-women”, emphasizing the crucial role of these female catalysts in sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro.

“Bangsamoro women have become integral voices in peace agreements, shaping a narrative of enduring peace and security,” Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) Chairperson Bainon Karon said.

“Their intentional inclusion spans local borders to agreements with the M**F and MNLF, symbolizing a shared vision for a future where women play a pivotal role in shaping peace,” she added during her Nov. 28 State of the Bangsamoro Women Address (SoBWA) in this city.

Last year, on Nov. 9, the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) officially activated its seven mechanisms, which serve as the basis for all the Parliament’s laws and policies, including the ways the Executive Department implements them.

Under the BOL, the mechanisms include the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBFF), Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IFPB), Joint Body for the Zones of Cooperation (JBZJC), Intergovernmental Infrastructure Development Board (IFPB), Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB), Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board (BSDB), and the Council of Leaders (COL).

IGRB aims to coordinate and resolve intergovernmental relations issues between the national government and the BARMM through regular consultation and negotiation, vested under Section 2, Article VI of the BOL.

During its 17th meeting on Feb. 8, Mohagher Iqbal, IGRB co-chair, stressed that the strides made through effective and productive leadership ensured success in finding political solutions to the decades-long armed conflict in the region.

“While in many parts of the world, the most seasoned of political leaders are scrambling to end the wars in their midst, we, in the Philippines and the Bangsamoro, are reaping the fruits of our sincerity, mutual esteem, and determination to make the lives of our people better,” Iqbal underscored.

Likewise, IGRB Co-chair Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) stated that the concerted efforts of both parties, the National Government and the BARMM, resulted in making Mindanao exemplify peace and development in the entire Philippines.

“We will not leave our future vulnerable to threats that will undermine the developments that we have painstakingly pushed,” Pangandaman emphasized.

“We will continue to endeavor to turn Mindanao from a land of promise into a land of promises fulfilled,” she continued.

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) and CM Ebrahim mentioned that they are “one” with the interventions on implementing the peace accords and uplifting the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

“We are acting with dispatch not because of the deadlines that we have set for ourselves but because people battered by war for years should not be denied their destiny to live in peace,” Pres. Marcos highlighted.

CM Ebrahim also underlined that the interim government stayed committed to bridging the gaps across sectors in the areas of education, economy, social services, and health.

He continued that the dedication to moral governance underpins the optimism in safeguarding the dividends of the peace process.

Both government leaders respectively urged the Government of the Day to fast-track all pending work and beat the deadlines set without compromising the integrity of the GPH-M**F peace agreement.


𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤

In November 2023, the Independent Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) released its latest monitoring updates about implementing the peace agreement.

Launched in 2013, the TPMT oversees the implementation of the peace accords between the National Government and the M**F, including the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which promote transparency and peace advancements in the Bangsamoro region and the entire Philippines.

TPMT Chairperson Heino Marius stressed that efforts must be made toward the second track of the CAB as the transition draws to a close.

Fortunately, President Marcos granted amnesty on Nov. 24, 2023, to the ex-Moro rebels—the M**F and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), under Proclamation Nos. 405 and 406, consequential to the full implementation of the track.

This month, March 2024, the Senate adopted these proclamations after a series of rigorous interpellations before the Body’s 63rd plenary session.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity stated that the Senate’s concurrence to adopting the proclamations is a huge achievement in the continuing quest towards a just and lasting peace.

Galvez expressed, “Amnesty is an invaluable instrument for social justice, as it upholds the dignity of former rebels who have laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law.”

Granting amnesty is tantamount to continuing the once-paused rendering of socio-economic services to the then-government foes.

On March 4, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of Health forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to make vital health and medical services accessible to former Bangsamoro freedom fighters.

This health benefit aligns with the latter’s Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), a program that provides health assistance from the national government, available in public hospitals throughout the country.

Sec. Galvez mentioned that health and peace must go together, stressing that peacebuilding interventions continue alongside strengthening the provision of medical services to former combatants.

As of January 2024, a total of 26,145 combatants were already decommissioned, which equates to 65.36 percent of the total targeted number—40,000 individuals.



𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐀𝐁 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲

CM Ebrahim recalled on March 22, during OPAPRU’s Peace Talk: Conversations on the Bangsamoro, the ‘positive changes’ brought about by the collective efforts of all the stakeholders and the gains obtained after the signing of the CAB ten years ago.

“This political settlement is in recognition of the legitimacy of the rights of the Bangsamoro to self-determination and in charting our own political future guided by our faith, our culture, our identity, and our love for our homeland,” said Ebrahim.

According to him, the noble task of serving the Bangsamoro is ceaselessly pushed through by collaborating with other peace champions.

“Our narrative is fueled by the aspirations of our people for a more comfortable and dignified life and the help of everyone: civil society organizations, academe, international government agencies and their programs for peace and development, the national government, and all peace advocates,” he stated.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to mobilize public awareness, specifically by amplifying the success stories that transpired a decade after the signing of the peace agreement.

Ebrahim also continued that dialogues discussing key issues in development, security, and governance are “imperative” to mold the future and democratic procedures of the Bangsamoro.

“Sabi nga nila, malayo pa, pero malayo na ang ating narating sa ating paglayag tungo sa isang mapayapa at masaganang Bangsamoro,” he highlighted.

[As they say, there is still a long way to go; however, we have already come a long way in our journey to a peaceful and prosperous Bangsamoro.] (Johamin Inok/BIO)

Today, March 27, marks the 10th anniversary since the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a milestone that showcases the resilience of the Bangsamoro and their ability to overcome challenges. Despite the progress, there have been hurdles along the way.

READ FULL STORY: https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/latest-news/reflecting-on-a-decade-of-peace-a-look-back-at-the-comprehensive-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro/

Bangsamoro History Month
March 1-31, 2024

𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞

The Pata Island massacre is a tragic event that occurred on February 12, 1981, on Pata Island in Sulu province, Philippines. It resulted in the loss of over 100 Philippine Army officers and men, making it one of the deadliest incidents for the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the conflict in Mindanao. Retired Major General Delfin Castro described it as having the highest number of casualties and the largest loss of fi****ms and equipment in a single incident.

Additionally, there were reports of an estimated 3,000 Tausug civilians, including women and children, who lost their lives in the following months due to shelling by military forces. This tragic event has been referred to as the Pata Island massacre.

Lt. Col. Sardual had a meeting with Commander Unad Masillam, who was in charge of the Civilian Home Defense Forces, before his planned departure. Masillam and his men accompanied Sardual back to the Headquarters Service Company's encampment. Upon arrival, Masillam requested Sardual to gather the company and stack their weapons for a farewell ceremony. Sardual, despite being a dental officer, followed the request and gave the order to his men.

Tragically, the Moros surrounded the government troops and launched an attack using automatic rifles. Later, when the responding soldiers discovered the bodies of their fallen comrades, they found evidence of the use of machine guns, such as spent .30 caliber shell casings and links at the Moros' firing positions. The exact number of Philippine Army troopers who lost their lives varies in different accounts, with reports indicating a body count of 119 or 124. Some of the deceased soldiers had defensive wounds on their arms caused by bladed weapons, and many bodies showed signs of scorching, suggesting an attempt to burn them. Only three members of the company survived the attack, all of them wounded.

In response to the incident, the Philippine Air Force the Philippine Navy nducted bombing and shelling operations on the island for nearly two months. These operations were aimed at supporting Philippine Army operations to apprehend the individuals responsible for the attack. However, it is believed that approximately 300 rebels managed to escape to Sabah Malaysia, evading capture.

During this period of military action, it is reported that around 3,000 Tausug civilians, including women and children, lost their lives due to the shelling. This tragic event has been labeled as a massacre.

References:
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Richardson, Michael (February 16, 1981). "Moslem rebels massacre 124 soldiers". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved May 11, 2016.

Major General Delfin
Castro (Ret). "A Mindanao Story – Troubled Decades in the Eye of the Storm". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.

Tan, Ab (March 31, 1981). "Killings Embitter Philippine Moslem Revolt". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 10, 2016.

Inquirer Research (January 27, 2015). "Most violent encounters between gov't forces and rebels". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 10, 2016.

"How troops met their deaths in island massacre". Sydney Morning Herald. February 19, 1981. Retrieved May 10, 2016.

Maulana, Nash B. (August 28, 2016). "Moros recall massacres under Marcos". Philippine Daily Inquirer.