Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday confirmed that it has invited the Sulu sultanate to witness the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. FILE PHOTO
“My discussion with Secretary (Teresita) Ging Deles was that the members of the traditional royal households, including the new sultan, if I’m not mistaken it’s Esmail (Kiram II)…they have all been invited by the OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process),” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a Palace press briefing.
There is no confirmation yet if Kiram or any representative of the sultanate will be able to attend.
Datu Esmail Kiram II was installed as the new sultan of Sulu in October last year after the death of his elder brother, Jamalul Kiram III.
The Sulu sultanate made headlines last year after Jamalul Kiram III ordered 200 men, including his brother Rajah Mudah Agbimuddin Kiram, went to Lahad Datu to reclaim Sabah for the Philippines. The standoff between the sultanate’s men and Malaysian authorities resulted in deadly clashes.
Jamalul Kiram III and his men believed that the government neglected its claim on Sabah, especially after they were allegedly left out in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Sabah is not included in the envisioned core territories of the Bangsamoro autonomous entity under the CAB.
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