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Sulu Lupa' Sūg لُفَأْ سُوْݢْ | |
|---|---|
| Province of Sulu | |
.jpg)    (from top: left to right) Sulu Provincial Capitol Building in Jolo, scenery in Hadji Panglima Tahil, sunrise in Lugus and Tulay Mosque in Jolo. | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Location in the Philippines | |
OpenStreetMap  | |
| Coordinates:6°N121°E / 6°N 121°E /6; 121 | |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Region | Zamboanga Peninsula |
| Founded | September 1, 1914 |
| Capital and largest municipality | Jolo |
| Administrative center | Patikul |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Panlalawigan |
| • Governor | Abdusakur A. Tan II (Lakas) |
| • Vice Governor | Abdusakur M. Tan (Lakas) |
| • Legislature | Sulu Provincial Board |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,600.40 km2 (617.92 sq mi) |
| • Rank | 66th out of 81 |
| Highest elevation (Mount Tumatangis) | 811 m (2,661 ft) |
| Population (2024 census)[3] | |
• Total | 1,146,097 |
| • Rank | 28th out of 81 |
| • Density | 716.132/km2 (1,854.77/sq mi) |
| • Rank | 10th out of 81 |
| Demonyms | Suluan Tausug Suluanon |
| Divisions | |
| • Independent cities | 0 |
| • Component cities | 0 |
| • Municipalities | |
| • Barangays | 410 |
| • Districts | Legislative districts of Sulu |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PHT) |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)68 |
| ISO 3166 code | PH-SLU |
| Spoken languages | |
| Income classification | 1st class |
Sulu ([sʊˈlu]), officially theProvince of Sulu (Tausūg:Wilaya' sin Lupa' Sūg;Filipino:Lalawigan ng Sulu;Chavacano:Provincia de Sulu); is aprovince of the Philippines in theSulu Archipelago and part of theZamboanga Peninsula region.
It was part of theBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), until theSupreme Court of the Philippines on September 9, 2024, declared its inclusion to be unconstitutional because of the province's simple majority vote against it during the2019 Bangsamoro autonomy plebiscite.[4]
Its capital isJolo on theisland of the same name.[5]Maimbung, the royal capital of theSultanate of Sulu, is also located in the province. Sulu is along the southern border of theSulu Sea and the northern boundary of theCelebes Sea.
Prior to the arrival of Islam in Sulu, the province used to adhere to local animist religions; this later changed to Hindu and Buddhist belief systems. Throughout this time, the Kingdom ofLupah Sug had been established centuries before Islam arrived.
The advent ofIslam around 1138 through merchants and traders had a distinct influence onSoutheast Asia. The coming ofArabs,Persians and otherMuslims paved the way for the arrival of religious missionaries, traders, scholars and travelers to Sulu andMindanao in the 12th century.
A landmark born of the social process was the founding of theSultanate of Sulu. Year 1380 CE, The Sunni Sufi ScholarKarim-ul Makhdum came to Sulu and introducedIslam to the Philippines. In 1450 CE, Johore-born Arab adventurerSayyid Abubakar Abirin came to Sulu and lived withRajah Baguinda Ali. The Sunni Sufi Teacher and Sayyid Abubakar eventually married Ali's daughter, Dayang-dayang Paramisuli, and inherited Rajah Baguinda's polity (which was aprincipality before), which he turned into theSultanate of Sulu and become its firstSultan. To consolidate his rule, Sayyid Abubakar united the local political units under the umbrella of the Sultanate. A Sultanate that followed the Ash'ari Aqeeda, Shafi'i Madh'hab andSufism. He brought Sulu,Zamboanga Peninsula,Palawan, andBasilan under its aegis.
The navigational error that landedFerdinand Magellan inLimasawa brought awareness of Europe to the Philippines and opened the door toSpanish colonial incursion. TheSpaniards introducedChristianity and a political system of church-state dichotomy, which encountered fierce resistance in the devastatingMoro wars from 1578 to 1899. The Sultanate of Sulu formally recognised Spanish sovereignty inTawi-Tawi and Sulu in middle of the 19th century, but these areas remained partially ruled by the Spanish as their sovereignty was limited to military stations, garrisons, and pockets of civilian settlements, until they had to abandon the region as a consequence of their defeat in theSpanish–American War.
After Spain ceded the Philippines to theUnited States, American forces came toJolo and ended the 23 years of Spanish military occupation (1876 to 1899). On August 20, SultanJamalul Kiram II and Brig. Gen.John C. Bates signed theBates Agreement that continued the gradual emasculation of the Sultanate started by Spain (Treaty of 1878) until March 1915 when the Sultan abdicated his temporal powers in the Carpenter Agreement. The Agreement eliminated opposition to the civilian government of Gov. Clinton Solidum.
TheDepartment of Mindanao and Sulu under Gov. Carpenter was created byPhilippine Commission Act 2309 (1914) and ended on February 5, 1920, by Act of Philippine Legislature No. 2878. The Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes was organized and briefly headed byTeofisto Guingona Sr. With the enactment by theUS Congress of theJones Law (Philippine Autonomy Law) in 1916, ultimate Philippine independence was guaranteed and the Filipinization of public administration began. Sulu, however, had an appointed American governor until 1935, and the Governor General in Manila had a say in Sulu affairs.
At any rate, the essence of local governance forged byRajah Baguinda continued to permeate the ethos of Sulu politics despite centuries of colonial presence. History points to a local government in Sulu that antedates other similar systems in the country.
The province hosted theDaru Jambangan (Palace of Flowers) which was the royal palace of the Sultan of Sulu since historical times. The palace, located inMaimbung was made of wood, and was destroyed in 1932 by a huge storm.
During the brief Japanese occupation years, Sulu was bombed by the Japanese and was conquered afterwards. The Japanese were eventually expelled by the Americans and the natives of Sulu, and the Americans started to push for the independence of the Philippines as 'one country'. This prompted various leaders from Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago to campaign against being lumped with the Catholic natives of Luzon and the Visayas. Despite the campaign against the 'one Philippines model', the United States granted independence to the Philippines, effectively giving control of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago to the Filipino government inManila.
It was during this period that the fighting 21 of Sulu rose with Lt. Abdulrahim Imao and Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang who distinguished himself through extraordinary valor and leadership, earning widespread recognition and commendation. The Fighting 21 of Sulu was narrated by Ernesto M. Espaldon in his book. Among Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang's notable accolades was the prestigious Bronze Star Medal, awarded on February 4, 1944, under Executive Order No.9419 by the Commanding General of the 41st Infantry Division, for his meritorious achievements in the Sulu Archipelago, Philippine Islands. His exceptional acts of leadership, strategic resourcefulness, and decisive initiative during pivotal moments were highly praised. Despite facing harsh conditions and relentless enemy engagement, Captain Caluang demonstrated unwavering courage, sound judgment, and a steadfast commitment to duty.[6]
At the beginning of Philippine independence era, the reconstruction of the Daru Jambangan continued to be of huge importance to the people of Sulu as only a few arches and posts remain from the once grand palace complex. Many members of the royal family advocated for the reconstruction of the palace, however, the government of the Philippines made no official position or fund for the matter. During that time, the Mindanao sentiment to become a free country on its own was also felt in Sulu.
In 1948,Hadji Kamlon, a World War II veteran, started an uprising on Luuk, Sulu. He surrendered in 1949 but started another uprising in 1952. He then surrendered on July 31, 1952, to Secretary of Defense Ramon Magsaysay. However, he started a third uprising a week later. He surrendered again on November 9, 1952, but would start another uprising in early 1953. He would then surrender on August 11, 1953, after an encounter with Philippines Government troops. He violated the terms of his surrender a week later. Two years later, on September 24, 1955, he would then surrender after an encounter with government troops in Tandu Panuan, Luuk.
In 1973, the municipalities of South Ubian, Tandubas, Simunul, Sitangkai, Balimbing (Panglima Sugala), Bungao, Cagayan de Sulu (Mapun), and Turtle Island were transferred from the jurisdiction of Sulu to the newly formed province of Tawi-Tawi pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 302 of September 11, 1973.[7]
As a center of regional commerce, Sulu became very prosperous and progressive in the years after the end of World War II and the establishment of theThird Philippine Republic.[8] By 1970, the province ranked 37rd in the Philippines in terms of number of households with piped water, and 38th in terms of households with electricity.[9] As the capital of the province, Jolo even saw international trade with countries like China and Russia.[9] This changed suddenly after the 1974 Siege of Jolo,[8] which destroyed infrastructure and led to capital flight and brain drain.[9] By 1990 Jolo had dropped to 52nd in terms of number of households with piped water and 73rd in terms of households with electricity.[9]
DuringMarcos era, Sulu was one of the provinces that fought back against Ferdinand Marcos as his regime tortured, killed, and exterminated hundreds of Moros. When news broke out regarding the planned invasion of easternSabah, Marcos ordered the military to massacre Tausug warriors, which led to the brutal 1968Jabidah massacre, the worst human rights violation against the natives of Sulu.
News about the Jabidah Massacre led to the rise of numerous separatist movements in Mindanao, including Sulu, eventually leading to groups engaging in armed conflict with the Philippine government.[10][11] One of the most destructive clashes, the1974 Battle of Jolo,[12] was so destructive that it was estimated to have rendered 40,000 people homeless in Jolo, the capital of Sulu.[13]
The Sultan of Sulu, members of the royal family, and the leaders of Sulu were in favor of thePeople Power Revolution inManila that successfully toppled the dictatorship and restoreddemocracy in the country.
In 1989, the province of Sulu became part of theAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM. A peace pact between theMoro National Liberation Front or MNLF and the Philippine government was also made. The founder and leader of the MNLF,Nur Misuari, who was a native of Sulu and follower of the Sultanate of Sulu, became the governor of the entire ARMM from 1996 to 2001.
In 2016, a small replica of Daru Jambangan was built in the neighboring town ofTalipao and became a centerpiece for a 'vacation park'. The replica was about 25% of the actual size of the real Daru Jambangan during its heyday. A campaign to restore the Daru Jambangan in its original location in Maimbung is still ongoing. TheNational Commission for Culture and the Arts and theNational Museum of the Philippines were tasked to faithfully restore or reconstruct the Daru Jambangan in Maimbung.[14]
In 2019, theBangsamoro autonomy plebiscite led to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) creating theBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to replace the ARMM. The initiative lost by a 54.3% margin in Sulu, but was carried nonetheless because the votes of the entire ARMM were counted as one.[15] However, in September 2024, theSupreme Court ruled that Sulu should have not been made part of Bangsamoro.[16] The status of which administrative region Sulu belonged to was initially unclear although theCommission on Electionsen banc had the consensus that Sulu should revert to theZamboanga Peninsula, the region it belonged to prior its inclusion in the ARMM back in 1989.[17][18][19] It was also proposed that Sulu become a "pilot province" under theOffice of the President.[20] Sulu's exclusion was challenged but Supreme Court ruled in finality its decision on November 26, 2024.[21]
Sulu was formally reverted to Zamboanga Peninsula by the virtue of Executive Order No. 91, signed by PresidentBongbong Marcos on July 30, 2025.[22]
The province covers an area of 1,600.40 square kilometres (617.92 sq mi).[2] Sulu's main island,Jolo, has an area of 868.5 square kilometres (335.3 sq mi),[23] making it the 16th largest island of the Philippine Archipelago by area.
Sulu is a part of theSulu Archipelago, which stretches from the tip of theZamboanga Peninsula on the north to the island ofBorneo in the south. The main island and its islets are situated between the island-provinces ofBasilan to the northeast, andTawi-Tawi to the southwest. Sulu is bordered by two seas; theSulu Sea to the north, and theCelebes Sea to its south. Sulu has over 157 islets, some of which remain unnamed.[1]
The islands are organized into four groups:[1]
Sulu comprises 19municipalities that are organized intotwo legislative districts and further subdivided into 410barangays.
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 73,914 | — |
| 1918 | 127,977 | +3.73% |
| 1939 | 201,348 | +2.18% |
| 1948 | 182,295 | −1.10% |
| 1960 | 248,304 | +2.61% |
| 1970 | 315,421 | +2.42% |
| 1975 | 240,001 | −5.33% |
| 1980 | 360,588 | +8.48% |
| 1990 | 469,971 | +2.69% |
| 1995 | 536,201 | +2.50% |
| 2000 | 619,668 | +3.15% |
| 2007 | 849,670 | +4.45% |
| 2010 | 718,290 | −5.93% |
| 2015 | 824,731 | +2.67% |
| 2020 | 1,000,108 | +4.14% |
| 2024 | 1,146,097 | +3.33% |
| Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[25][27][28] | ||
The population of Sulu in the 2020 census was 1,000,108 people,[3] with a density of 620 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,600 inhabitants per square mile.
Although consisting of a mixed community ofMuslims, theTausugs dominate the Sulu Archipelago. The Tausug were among the first inhabitants of the Philippines to embraceIslam as a religion and a way of life. They are referred to as 'people of the current', reflective of their close ties to the sea.
Sulu inhabitants are predominantly Muslim, constituting about 99%[29] of the provincial population in 2015.
A majority of Sulu's Muslim population practiceSunni Islam of theShafi'i tradition, as taught by Arab, Persian, Indian Muslim, Chinese Muslim and Malaccan missionaries from the 14th Century onwards.
Relatively newer Islamic sects, mostly brought by returning veterans of the Afghan wars and missionaries from Pakistan's stricterSufi traditions, referred to as theTableegh, have been active in propagating what they believe to be a "purer" Islamic way of life and worship. A small number who have since married intoIranian orIraqi families have converted toShiite Islam.
The majority of Sulu Christians areCatholics.[1] They are under the jurisdiction ofArchdiocese of Zamboanga through its suffraganApostolic Vicariate of Jolo. Non-Catholic Christians includeEvangelicals,Jesus Miracle Crusade,Episcopalian,Iglesia ni Cristo (INC),Mormons,Seventh-day Adventists,Jehovah's Witnesses, and a number of other Protestant denominations. Only the most recent Chinese immigrants adhere toBuddhism orTaoism, while most of the older Chinese families have acculturated and have either converted to Christianity or Islam while retaining many of their Chinese beliefs.
TheTausug language is thelingua franca of Sulu. The other local language is the indigenousSama, which is widely used in varied tones and accents. This variety led to the development of Sinama dialects. The major ones are Sinama Sibutu (spoken mainly in the Sibutu-Sitangkai Region), Sinama Simunul (concentrated in Simunul-Manuk-Mangkaw Islands), Sinama Kapoan (spoken in the South Ubian-Tandubas and Sapa-Sapa Regions) and Sinama Banguingui (concentrated in Buan Island and spoken by Banguingui people).
TheBajau-Sama language is also spoken, as are the official languages ofFilipino andEnglish. Many locals and barter traders can speakSabah Malay, whileChavacano is also spoken by Christian and Muslim locals who maintain contacts and trade with the mainlandZamboanga Peninsula and Basilan.
Governors after People Power Revolution 1986:
Vice Governors after People Power Revolution 1986:
Sulu is predominantly agricultural with farming and fishing as its main livelihood activities. Its fertile soil and ideal climate can grow a variety of crops such asabaca,coconuts, Sulucoffee,[38]oranges, andlanzones as well as exotic fruits seldom found elsewhere in the country such asdurian andmangosteen.
Fishing is the most important industry since theSulu Sea is one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. The province also has an extensivepearl industry, with apearl farm on Marungas Island. The backs ofsea turtles are made into beautiful trays and combs. During breaks from fishing, the people build boats and weave mats. Other industries includecoffee processing and fruit preservation.
The handicrafts of Sulu have both Islamic andMalay influences. Skilled artisans make boats, bladed weapons, bronze and brassware, pis cloth, embroidered textiles,shellcraft, traditional house carvings, and carved woodengrave markers.
The province used to be one of the most prosperous in the southern Philippines. However, due to conflicts, terrorism, and the establishment of jihadists groups followingWahhabism such as theAbu Sayyaf, the province's economy has suffered badly and has been reduced to its current state.
The province is home toJolo Airport.[39]
Various government agencies report varying land areas for Sulu. According to the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority, Sulu has a total land area of 160,040 hectares. On the other hand, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (NSO) 2000 Demographic and Socio-Economic profile, the province has a land area of 1,754.6.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)"The consensus is to make Sulu part of Region IX since it is the province's original region," said the poll chief. He, however, stressed that such adecision is not yet final.
Theleaning of the Commission en banc is to include itfor this [2025] election in Region 9,
Another [issue] is to which administrative region Sulu will belong to. The nearest to it is the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9), to which Lamitan City in Basilan, which is not part of the BARMM, belongs.
Media related toSulu (province) at Wikimedia Commons
Geographic data related toSulu atOpenStreetMapPlaces adjacent to Sulu | |
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Jolo (capital and largest municipality) | |
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