Abdusakur “Sakur” Tan, a prominent political figure in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, has maintained influence in the region for over three decades through a long-standing dynastic approach. Tan, 76, first became governor in 1996 and served multiple terms between 1996 and 2025. Due to term limits, he currently holds the position of vice governor, while his son, Abdusakur “Toto” Tan II, occupies the governorship.
Sulu, located near the Malaysian state of Sabah across the Sulu Sea, gained international notoriety in 2000 when the militant group Abu Sayyaf abducted 21 people from Sipadan Island, including foreign tourists and Malaysian workers. At the time, Sulu was perceived as a lawless region entrenched in conflict. The crisis drew global media attention and highlighted the fragile security environment.
Returning to Jolo, the provincial capital of Sulu, this year, Tan emphasized the historic and ongoing ties between Sulu and Sabah. He acknowledged Sabah’s role in supporting displaced Tausug communities during the Moro conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s, noting that many Sulu residents have since established better livelihoods in Sabah. Tan described the two regions as “brothers” linked by people, history, and commerce.
Recent visits and observations confirm marked improvements in security and public order in Sulu. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. officially declared the province had achieved a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition, signaling a significant reduction in insurgent activity and the transition toward development and stability.
Regarding Abu Sayyaf, Tan stated that community support for government initiatives contributed to the militant group’s decline, with many members surrendering and undergoing reintegration programs, while some remain detained.
Tan said he last visited Sabah in the 1980s for business purposes and recalled the efficient law enforcement he observed there. He emphasized the importance of rule of law as a foundation for peace and order, contrasting it with Sulu’s previous state of instability.
On the contested claim to Sabah by the Sulu Sultanate, Tan expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of any single claimant, citing the existence of multiple sultans and the ongoing disputes among them. He recounted efforts to unify these figures under his representative authority as Datu Shahbandar, a royal rank conferred in 2016, but indicated that the initiative faltered due to internal disagreements.
Despite political opposition and the region’s turbulent history, Tan remains a central figure in Sulu’s governance, respected and feared in equal measure. He attributes his political longevity to dedication and the affection of his constituents rather than material power or armed force.
“The secret is the love of my people,” Tan said, adding that wealth and weapons alone do not guarantee influence. He reflected on the close social, economic, and cultural links between Sulu and Sabah, underscoring cooperation and mutual gratitude as keys to their shared future.