I felt a powerful sense of hope when the shovels dug into the soil to break ground for the Sulu Hall of Justice last week. I knew that what I was witnessing was more than just a groundbreaking ceremony. It was the start of better and bigger things to come for the province.

Last week, I joined the Supreme Court justices led by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, for a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Sulu Hall of Justice building.

The occasion symbolized how far Sulu has come — from being a hotbed of conflict into an emerging trade, investment and tourism hub in this southernmost part of Mindanao.

Governor Abdusakur Tan, II said it best when he proudly declared: “Today, as we break ground for the Sulu Hall of Justice, we are not merely laying the foundation of a building. We are laying the foundation of hope, fairness and dignity for our people.”

The governor's words deeply resonated among those gathered at the site as the soon to be built facility is an assurance that justice will no longer be a distant promise, but a reality that will be felt by the people of Sulu.

The decision of the Provincial Government of Sulu to allow the construction of what may be one of the most historic Halls of Justice in the country sends a clear and strong message that the province is turning a new chapter in its history.

Moreover, it reflects the steadfast commitment of Governor Tan, II, Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan II, and the entire provincial government to ensure that justice will have a permanent home in Sulu.

“Your presence here, especially from the highest pillars of our nation’s leadership, is a testament that Sulu is not forgotten,” the governor said. “It affirms that our aspirations for peace, order and progress are also the aspirations of our beloved Philippines.”

For years, Sulu lived under the shadow of violence, conflict, and lawlessness. Today, that image is being replaced by scenes of people working hand in hand, building, and dreaming of a better future.

Governor Tan, who had witnessed the darkest moments in the province’s history, could not have said it better when he described the groundbreaking as “the beginning of a renewed faith — that in Sulu, justice will always have a home.”

Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said that: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”

“Without justice, peace remains fragile. It is justice that transforms tension into harmony, conflict into dialogue, and division into unity,” he said.

The chief justice also re-echoed former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan who said that “there can be no real peace without justice.”

“Today, as we break ground for the new Sulu Hall of Justice, we affirm our unwavering belief in this truth: that peace, stability, and sustainable development can only be secured through a justice system that is swift, accessible and impartial,” Chief Justice said.

“This is why this groundbreaking for the Sulu Hall of Justice is not just a ceremony to commence construction. It is a statement of purpose- to build not only a physical structure, but a more just, more stable, and more hopeful future for the people of Sulu,” he emphasized.

As the former chief of the Western Mindanao Command, Sulu’s remarkable transformation did not happen overnight. It is the result of courage, unity, and an unshakeable commitment on the part of the Sulu Provincial Government and the people to pursue the path of peace.

Crucial to this amazing turnaround is the willingness of the Sulu provincial government, congressmen, and all local leaders to partner with the national government and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

Together, these peacebuilding and security initiatives are turning Sulu into a show window of peace and development wherein the people are now reaping the dividends of their hard-earned peace.

Once completed, Sulu’s Hall of Justice will ensure that justice will no longer be delayed or denied, and shall be swift and fair. The structure is an assurance to every Tausug that their rights will be protected, their grievances heard, and their dignity upheld.

“If in the past fear and uncertainty ruled the hearts and minds of our people, today, the Chief Justice himself, and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, have proven that there is no longer anything to fear when we speak of Sulu,” Governor Tan said with immense pride.

My gratitude goes to the Supreme Court for supporting this historic project and for honoring Sulu with their presence. Their participation sends a strong signal that our judiciary stands firmly behind efforts to bring justice closer to the people of the province.

To sustain our effort, the OPAPRU will continue to play a crucial and sustained role in the implementation of Presidential Executive Order (EO) 91, which was signed on July 30, 2025, by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This executive order aims to provide a continuous and cohesive framework for the transformation of Sulu province, moving from conflict to lasting peace and development. This is after the Supreme Court exclude Sulu from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Together with the Budget department under the leadership of Sec Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman, and the BARMM government, we will ensure no one will be left behind as directed by the President.

Our work has only begun. We must therefore ensure that this Hall of Justice becomes more than a structure — it must become an institution that truly serves the people and will ensure their rights and welfare.

Let us build on this momentum and continue to work hand in hand — government, judiciary, civil society, security forces, and community leaders — to make the peace that is now being enjoyed by Sulu permanent and irreversible.

The story of Sulu proves that the scars of conflict can be healed and communities once divided can be united. This Hall of Justice is a monument to hope, a beacon of equality and inclusiveness, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Sulu.

(This is part one of two-part series on Sulu’s Transformation. The second part will discuss further EO 91 and Senior Associate Justice Mavic Leonen’s speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sulu Hall of Justice building)