DAVAO CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament on its first official act on Wednesday approved into law the creation of the region’s official flag and is now flying it.
Righter after the adoption, Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim of the BARMM signed it into law, the flag was immediately unveiled and hoisted at the BARMM executive building.
The measure was passed by the interim 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) which deliberated the issue for over eight months..
The flag has four distinctive colours, a crescent, a seven-rayed star and a kris, a signature Moro sword.
At the center of the red portion bears a white “Kris” (ridged winding blade) that symbolizes the protection and resistance of the BARMM against oppression, tyranny, and injustice.
The seven-rayed star represents the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur; the cities therein of Lamitan and Marawi; and the added city of Cotabato and 63 villages in North Cotabato .
BARMM Interior Minister and spokesperson Attorney Naguib Sinarimbo explained that the act was historic “Because it was the first legislation that became (a) law under Minister Ebrahim’s leadership.” lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM’s interior minister and concurrent regional spokesperson, said.
“The flag reflects the Bangsamoro’s identity, history, and struggles,” Sinarimbo said.
The Bangsamoro flag, the size of a standard banner, has the colors of green on top that reflects Islamic teachings and principles; white in the middle (peace, tranquility, and righteousness); red in the bottom (recognition of identity and self-determination).
The edict said the Bangsamoro flag should be regarded with utmost respect and admiration, and should always be displayed alongside the Philippine flag – pursuant to Section 2, Article 2 of Republic Act 11054, the organic law that created the BARMM.
The law mandates all Bangsamoro public offices, public and private schools, colleges and universities, government-owned and controlled corporations and other government instrumentalities under the region are required to use and display the flag.
“When necessary, the Bangsamoro flag may also be used in ceremonial and symbolic activities. The same may likewise be reproduced in small sizes for similar purposes,” the edict said. -ezc with Edwin O. fernandez
