BARMM Clarifies Feb. 8 as Special Working Holiday, Not Regular Holiday

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government announced on Wednesday that February 8 will be observed as a “special working holiday” across the region, not a regular holiday as previously reported by some news outlets. This announcement came in response to a memorandum from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) that had led to some confusion regarding the observance of Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf.

According to Philippines News Agency, issued through the Office of the Senior Minister, the classification of February 8 as a special working holiday aims to provide guidance to the public and correct any misinterpretations. This decision aligns with the Bangsamoro Holidays Act of 2023, which does not recognize Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf as a regular or special non-working holiday.

The statement further explained that such days are designated as special working holidays within the BARMM, based on an official proclamation by the Chief Minister. Proclamation 005, issued on December 29, 2023, detailed the official regular and special holidays for the calendar year 2024 within the BARMM, including Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf among three special working holidays, alongside Amun Jadid and Malid-un-Nabi.

BARMM encompasses five provinces—Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—with Cotabato City serving as the regional center. The clarification regarding the holiday status is intended to ensure that residents and public officials within the BARMM have accurate information regarding work and holiday observances.