INTRAMUROS, Manila — Deeply concerned over the transfer of Sulu province from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Region IX, the Bangsamoro Movement is calling on lawmakers to allow the people of Sulu to decide what is best for their own future and as part of the whole country.

Speaking at the National Press Club (NPC)'s Meet the Press Weekly Forum hosted by NPC director and Global News Network (GNN) executive producer Benedict Abahgar, 1Bangsa national president Maulana 'Alan' Balangi expressed dismay in the development, citing that it undermines the true essence of autonomy which reflects the will of the people.

"While we respect the legal processes that have ked to this executive action, we must also emphasize that the essence of autonomy lies in the people's will and not merely in legal and administrative boundaries," Balangi pointed out.

In this connection, he is urging both Houses of Congress to act with urgency and compassion through the filing of counterpart measures that will pave the way for a plebiscite in Sulu that is aimed at letting Suluanons to decide for themselves whether they wish to remain in BARMM or transfer to Region IX.

"Sulu is not just a geographical unit within the Bangsamoro; it is a historical and symbolic cornerstone of the Moro struggle for self-determination. The Bangsamoro identity was shaped by sacrifices of the Tausug people and their leaders," he stressed.

Noting that these sacrifices from the resistance against colonial powers to the tragic Jabidah Massacre, where young Tausug men paid the ultimate price of death, Balangi mention how Sulu has been at the forefront of the fight for autonomy and justice.

"To forcibly separate Sulu from BARMM without consulting its people is to cut off the roots from which the (proverbial) Bangsamoro tree has grown," he declared.