Malacañang declares Feb 8 holiday in BARMM, Muslim-majority areas

Malacañang has declared Thursday, Feb. 8 as holiday in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other Muslim-majority areas in commemoration of the Al-Isra’ Wal Mi’raj. 

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the holiday applies in the following provinces and cities: 

• Basilan
• Lanao del Norte
• Lanao del Sur
• Maguindanao
• North Cotabato
• Sultan Kudarat
• Sulu
• Tawi-Tawi
• Zamboanga del Sur
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Cotabato
• Iligan
• Marawi
• Pagadian
• Zamboanga

“Muslim government employees outside of the BARMM are also entitled to observe this holiday,” it added.

"Per Memorandum of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos dated 22 January 2024, the observance of 1445 Hijrah (2024) Isra Wal Mi’raj or Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. will fall on the 27th day of the Islamic lunar month of Rajab 1445 Hijrah, corresponding to 08 February 2024," said Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles in a memorandum issued on February 7, 2024.

"In light of the foregoing and based on Article 172 of P.D. No. 1083, dated 04 February 1977, all Muslim government officials and employees in places other than those enumerated under Article 170 of the same law1 shall be excused from reporting to office in order that they may observe the Muslim Holiday. To reiterate, all Muslim government officials and employees are free from office work on 08 February 2024 without being marked absent," he added. — BAP, GMA Integrated News