MANILA – The Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) agreed on Wednesday, December 11, to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) that will ensure the smooth transition of Sulu province from the Bangsamoro to the National Government.

The IGRB’s move to establish the said TWG demonstrates both governments’ commitment to resolve pressing issues brought to their attention and further strengthen their relations.

This developed as the Supreme Court En Banc denied the motions for partial reconsiderations to reverse their earlier decision excluding Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In particular, the IGRB directed the TWG to develop a transition plan that outlines the following: reassignment of employees and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in deposition of offices, with the least disruption to essential services and maintenance of operational continuity, and the financial support mechanism from the National Government to ensure that delivery of services in Sulu are maintained; implementation of ongoing and planned programs, activities, projects for Sulu, and processes and arrangements of revenue collections and fees during transition; and transfer of ownership of Bangsamoro government-owned assets and properties in Sulu to the appropriate entities after purchased thereof by the .national government.

In her opening statement during the IGRB’s 21st meeting, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who also serves as the IGRB co-chairperson for the National Government, emphasized the body’s commitment to help facilitate Sulu’s transition.

“Our stand remains the same: We in the IGRB will ensure uninterrupted government operations in Sulu amid this transition,” Pangandaman stressed.

“…we share a common goal: The prioritization of BARMM in the Bagong Pilipinas, where we meet the needs and fulfill the aspirations of every Filipino, not least of all the Bangsamoro,” she added.

According to Pangandaman, more than resolving technical and territorial issues, the IGRB is “determined to achieve our Agenda for Prosperity and turn our dreams of a thriving BARMM into reality.”

For his part, Mohagher Iqbal, BARMM Education Minister and IGRB co-chairperson for the Bangsamoro Government maintained that “Sulu remains an integral part of the Bangsamoro identity and narrative.”

“It is imperative that our efforts ensure the people of Sulu remain strongly connected to the overarching vision of peace and self-determination,” Iqbal underscored.

He said that among the immediate steps IGRB has to take “is to focus on facilitating a smooth and gradual transition of Sulu to the national government.”

The BARMM education minister said that this “process must be approached with the highest level of diligence and careful planning, prioritizing the welfare of Sulu’s people above all else.”

“It is essential to ensure the government structures, service delivery, and development programs are not disrupted but rather strengthened during this period,” Iqbal pointed out.

“This includes addressing administrative, fiscal, and operational considerations to ensure continuity in public service,” he added.

Sulu Governor Adbulsakur Mahail Tan, who was present during the meeting, thanked the IGRB for supporting the province as it transitioned from the BARMM to the national government.

Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., noted that the creation of the TWG shows the national and Bangsamoro governments’ commitment to ensure that there is enough funds to provide the needed socioeconomic programs and projects to the people of Sulu.

“This is in line with the President’s commitment to a Bagong Pilipinas that includes a stronger Bangsamoro region where no one will be left behind as the region continues to reach greater heights in peace and development,” Galvez said.

Established in 2019, the IGRB is composed of representatives from line agencies and ministries from national and BARMM governments.

The IGRB’s primary mandate is to facilitate closer coordination and resolve key issues between both governments through the conduct of regular consultations and negotiations in a non-adversarial manner.###