Sibutu
Sibutu is a municipality of Tawi-Tawi, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It is divided into 16 barangays, and had 38,070 residents at the 2024 census.
- Province
- Tawi-Tawi
- Classification
- Municipality
- Barangays
- 16
- PSGC code
- 157011000
38,070
Population (2024)
285.32 km²
Land area
133
People per km²
+11.2%
Change since 2020
Governed under
- Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 49 — Bangsamoro Local Governance Code of 2023Enacted September 28, 2023. The governing code inside BARMM: it creates the offices described here, fixes their terms and pay, and devolves the services. It repealed the ARMM code it replaced.
- Implementing Rules and Regulations of the BLGCPromulgated September 30, 2025. 696 articles setting out how the Code is carried out — the procedures, deadlines and rate ceilings quoted on this page.
- Republic Act 7160 — Local Government Code of 1991The national code. Inside BARMM it applies only where the Bangsamoro one is silent.
Sibutu's share of Tawi-Tawi
7.9%
The rest of Tawi-Tawi
The record
- Population, 2024 census
- 38,070
- Population, 2020 census
- 34,243
- Change, 2020 to 2024
- +11.2% (3,827 people)
- Land area
- 285.32 km²
- Population density
- 133 per km²
- Barangays
- 16
- Average barangay population
- 2,379
- Share of Tawi-Tawi
- 7.9%
Reading it
Population is the count as of July 1, 2024, the reference date of the 2024 Census of Population. The 2020 figure is from the census before it, so the change covers 4 years rather than a single year.
Density is the census population over the land area on record. It is a flat average: a coastal town whose people all live along one road will read the same as one spread evenly across its hills.
Average barangay population divides the total across every barangay equally, which no municipality actually does — it is useful for comparing units, not for describing one.
All barangays
16
01Ambulong SapalNami, Guratul Tallang9
Punong Barangay
Nami, Guratul Tallang
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Mulsid, Rayyan Ibrahim
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Abdurajid, Abdulwafa Nahul
- 2Sapal, Marites Sahial
- 3Hadjirul, Sadat Boddong
- 4Salapuddin, Jamila Taalam
- 5Hamdan, Nanang Lamansa
- 6Sahial, Halim Bollos
- 7Buddin, Nasra Amping
02Datu Amilhamja JaafarJulkarnain, Bensal Suaib7
Punong Barangay
Julkarnain, Bensal Suaib
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Sani, Misrifa
Sangguniang Barangay · 5
- 1Hamdan, Mohammad Hatta Sahial
- 2Daculah, Rashieda Ibno
- 3Julkarnain, Haifalyn Nabiula
- 4Buanding, Abdulla Sahiyal
- 5Arabain, Hasim Uddu
03Hadji Imam BidinJasid, Al-Rashid Ismula10
Punong Barangay
Jasid, Al-Rashid Ismula
SK Chairperson
Carlos, Jenny Vee A.
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Jamih, Janeyfa Lamansa
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Barcelona, Amalie Sapal
- 2Sahirul, Tots Babuddin
- 3Dianon, Richard Martines
- 4Cocjin, Sinda Abbas
- 5Buramma, Minang Saycala
- 6Jaafar, Faizal Kadil
- 7Alian, Sali Lams
04Hadji Mohtar SulaymanSaed, Alkaisar Mandaling10
Punong Barangay
Saed, Alkaisar Mandaling
SK Chairperson
Ilahan, Jokoy Lanjang
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Gurag, Melgan Sulayman
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Mustafa, Beauty General
- 2Milikan, Almun Densong
- 3Darawi, Manulon Lawtiani
- 4Darwis, Alma Giriyo Lelma
- 5Malani, Nita Milikan
- 6Jihati, Alminita Taallam
- 7Mallih, Sitti Radzma Abdurakman
05Hadji TahaJasid, Rasil Aking9
Punong Barangay
Jasid, Rasil Aking
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Salapuddin, Sitti Haja Baki
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Diman, Abdurakid Amilhussin
- 2Arajaini, Jalilia Handan
- 3Alsad, Hassan Sakkam
- 4Askalani, Nur-aisha Mohammad
- 5Lasdin, Pulang Diman
- 6Anjao, Bakkar Jimlan
- 7Sarmiento, Fatima Burahan
06Imam Hadji MohammadJowak, Sabrie Jowak9
Punong Barangay
Jowak, Sabrie Jowak
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Silapan, Khaira Nasaluddin
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Muyong, Muadz Kadil
- 2Ahid, Mauldin Wali
- 3Makasulot, Efren Ahid
- 4Hassan, Throy Mukattil
- 5Gulam, Gapura Samuddin
- 6Jainulla, Sophia Abdulla
- 7Titing, Boy Sammah
07LigayanJuhaili, Husien Irilis9
Punong Barangay
Juhaili, Husien Irilis
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Sapie, Mussah Udlihan
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Ladjamain, Baba Samsarani
- 2Talumpok, Intigan Sayari
- 3Juhaili, Vincent Jalil
- 4Tapsi, Nur Sarawani
- 5Talumpuk, Abbah Mauhari
- 6Hamdan, Astra Lum
- 7Jainuddin, Aliya Dingih
08NunukanSapal, Hurul-ain Abdulla9
Punong Barangay
Sapal, Hurul-ain Abdulla
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Diman, Yvonne Barcelona
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Pala, Yamani Alim
- 2Salapuddin, Kattang Samuddin
- 3Kasim, Lim Felis
- 4Arasid, Nero Ahlam
- 5Ismael, Henjie Ibno
- 6Alimuddin, Nurlaylie Salapuddin
- 7Akan, Jul-Astrie Jowak
09Sheik MakdumHassan, Ali-khan Jamaluddin9
Punong Barangay
Hassan, Ali-khan Jamaluddin
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Sahipa, Akkad Abdulla
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Usman, Muslimie Amirul
- 2Daluddin, Ahmad Idris
- 3Dizal, Rowena Enriquez
- 4Hassan, Lim Sakib
- 5Bassal, Adnan Naslun
- 6Ismael, Latifa Yusop
- 7Laja, Sakandal Juaini
10Sibutu (Pob.)Alpa, Al-rym Yusop9
Punong Barangay
Alpa, Al-rym Yusop
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Haman, Nursima Mohammad
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Punding, Mansul Abdulla
- 2Aking, Hassanur Bashri Istim
- 3Bonajal, Jackaria Tidal
- 4Ismula, Omar Kara
- 5Badran, Punding Muyong
- 6Ismula, Idang Baraung
- 7Arajaini, Sali Lasdin
11TalisayJoe, Adzmin Bonajal9
Punong Barangay
Joe, Adzmin Bonajal
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Abdurahim, Rahman Jani
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Joe, Selma Bonajal
- 2Yusop, Hatta Ibrahim
- 3Usman, Haipa Samuddin
- 4Jula, Hairom Samuddin
- 5Abduraup, Al-basri Aidarus
- 6Usman, Masduki Elliot
- 7Tini, Karim Hassim-ajad
12Tandu BanakJamaluddin, Romie Idris9
Punong Barangay
Jamaluddin, Romie Idris
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Baclas, Gerry Duhaylungsod
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Ladjamuddin, Ruhana Damang
- 2Maya, Iylia Idris
- 3Pajiji, Arsara Maya
- 4Ajik, Moton Omar
- 5Bidin, Alphy Sarawi
- 6Tahil, Herman Mansul
- 7Sahibul, Yusnar Jaji
13TaungohIdris, Sitti Farsha Pajiji10
Punong Barangay
Idris, Sitti Farsha Pajiji
SK Chairperson
Anda, Sophian Asih
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Nasaluddin, Sharilyn Bantala
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Salam, Amrie Ahirun
- 2Hussin, Benhar Tanjilul
- 3Jakaria, Darwisa Asih
- 4Nur, Madjaidz Pahing
- 5Abdurahman, Fatima Jaafar
- 6Muhammad, Perhama Usman
- 7Ittok, Nurhassan Asih
14TongehatTanjilul, Isnaida Murih10
Punong Barangay
Tanjilul, Isnaida Murih
SK Chairperson
PILIHAN, LIANA TAGLIBI
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Madia, Don-Don Antoyan
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Galibun, Perdouz Abdulganih
- 2Gillih, Indalhaya Jawah
- 3Pajiji, Akuk Dalus
- 4Lipae, Shermina Marasan
- 5Ittok, Nuruddin Mohammad
- 6Mating, Imag Punggut
- 7Lesayao, Abigail Madia
15TongsibaloHajim, Aivy Idding9
Punong Barangay
Hajim, Aivy Idding
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Taib, Marwin Abdulla
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Hasbi, Gajer Sahid III
- 2Saligak, Al-rashdie Tahil
- 3Badal, Alzumar Patta
- 4Abdulhamid, Alrashid Abidin
- 5Ganih, Eunish Taib
- 6Samma, Markaisa Imbing
- 7Jaji, Beldor Alipal
16Ungus-ungusAlsad, Mary Pajiji9
Punong Barangay
Alsad, Mary Pajiji
- Barangay Secretary · appointed
- Usman, Saning Kibtiani
Sangguniang Barangay · 7
- 1Sahial, Myrna Pansalang
- 2Kassim, Al-janin Jainal
- 3Idris, Raden Osnan
- 4Atara, Sitti Nur Galibon
- 5Jaji, Binang Kiram
- 6Abdulganih, Rhaydan Lorenzo
- 7Idris, Basil Mohammad
Each barangay is its own local government unit with an elected punong barangay and council. The code beside a name is its PSGC identifier — the number every national record uses for that barangay.
Officials are from DILG’s Barangay Officials Directory as it stood on 2026-09-26; 16 of these 16 barangays have an entry in it. DILG publishes no term alongside the names and updates the directory as barangays report, so a name here is the last one filed rather than a guarantee of who holds the office today. DILG’s directory also carries contact details, which are not repeated here.
The office since 2001
2 surnames- 2025–2028AHAJA, NUR FITRAheldPFP
- 2022–2025AHAJA, NUR-FITRATOP
- 2019–2022PAJIJI, ALSHEFAheldPDPLBN
- 2016–2019PAJIJI, ALSHEFAheldLP
- 2013–2016PAJIJI, KUYOHheldLP
- 2010–2013PAJIJI, KUYOH A.heldLAKAS-CMD
- 2007–2010PAJIJI, KUYOH ASIHLAKAS-CMD
- 2004–2007not in the record
- 2001–2004not in the record
“Held” marks a term whose office-holder shares a surname with the term before it. Surnames, not people — a seat passing between relatives reads the same here as one person re-elected, and in most of these towns it is the more common of the two.
2025 National and Local Elections · elected May 12, 2025 · in office June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2028
COMELEC — 2025 election results, Certificates of Canvass↗Mayor
AHAJA, NUR FITRA
PFP9,277 votes67.51%
1 other candidate
- 02SAYMAARAN, DOC SHEEDZAKSYON4,46532.49%
Vice-Mayor
PAJIJI, ALSHEFA
PFP11,761 votes87.71%
1 other candidate
- 02JASID, RASILAKSYON1,64812.29%
Sangguniang Bayan
8 elected of 20 candidates
- 01ANDA, HAIDIRPFP6,5527.63%
- 02SHALIM, SHAIRAPFP6,4967.57%
- 03IBNO, SURAIDAPFP6,4757.54%
- 04LIM, JONG JONGPFP6,4347.5%
- 05MURIH, AL-KHALIDIND6,3817.44%
- 06SULAIMAN, AL-RANDYPFP6,3327.38%
- 07PANDAOG, DARWININD6,2197.25%
- 08JUHAILI, HUSNAPFP5,6066.53%
12 not elected
- 09ABU, IDRISAKSYON5,5626.48%
- 10NAHUL, AL-HASILPFP5,3656.25%
- 11BUANDING, SHAYDIEPFP5,2756.15%
- 12MADSALI, AHMED DIDATIND3,9584.61%
- 13PANDAOG, RAMZIPDPLBN3,1803.71%
- 14KAMUH, NURJAAFARAKSYON2,2822.66%
- 15MUDAH, HADJABERQUISAKSYON2,1382.49%
- 16ALHALIL, MADSAHILIAKSYON2,1262.48%
- 17DANGIN, MOHAMMAD DELWISIND1,6881.97%
- 18ANJAH, ARWIDAAKSYON1,4921.74%
- 19MALANI, MUSTAKIMIND1,2661.48%
- 20JUDDI, SABTALAKSYON9931.16%
And for Tawi-Tawi as a whole
Provincial Governor
SALI, YSHMAEL
PFP133,217 votes67.87%
1 other candidate
- 02SAHALI, RUBYAKSYON63,07832.13%
Provincial Vice-Governor
SALI, AL-SYED
PFP142,259 votes76.96%
1 other candidate
- 02LIPAE, ALGARADAKSYON42,59423.04%
What a municipality is responsible for.
These services are devolved to this level by the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, so they describe what Sibutuis mandated to provide — not an inventory of what its offices currently run. For opening hours and requirements, the unit’s own hall is the source.
Health
01- Rural health units, health centers and barangay health stations
- Primary health care, maternal and child care, communicable disease control
- Purchase of medicines and medical supplies
Social services
02- Day care centers and child and family welfare
- Programs for women, the elderly and persons with disabilities
- Nutrition, family planning and community-based rehabilitation
Infrastructure and public works
03- Municipal or city roads, bridges, drainage and flood control
- School buildings, health centers, public markets and slaughterhouses
- Water supply systems and communal irrigation
- Sites for the police and fire stations and the municipal jail
Permits, records and regulation
04- Business permits and licensing
- Building permits and zoning enforcement
- Civil registry — birth, marriage and death certificates
- Real property assessment and tax collection
- Reclassifying farmland — capped at 15% of the town’s agricultural land, 10% or 5% in smaller classes
Agriculture, environment and safety
05- Agricultural extension, seed farms and fisheries
- Solid waste collection and disposal
- Community-based forestry projects
- Fire and police coordination, and disaster risk reduction
And at the barangay
Frontline services
- Barangay clearance and certificates of residency and indigency
- Barangay health station and day care center
- Katarungang Pambarangay — a lupon of 10 to 20 members mediates disputes before they reach court
Community
- Barangay tanod and peace and order at street level — one tanod per 200 residents, 30 at most
- Maintenance of barangay roads, footpaths and water supply
- Solid waste segregation at source
- Agricultural support — planting materials and farm produce collection and buying stations
Money it handles
- A tax of up to 1% on stores with gross sales under ₱50,000 in a city or ₱30,000 in a municipality
- Its share of the real property tax — 25% of what the province collects on property in it
- 10% of its general fund set aside for the Sangguniang Kabataan
- Its own annual budget, reviewed by the city or municipal council within 90 days
And what you pay it.
These are the ceilings the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code and its implementing rules set on what a municipality and its barangays may charge, with the deadlines that go with them. Sibutu sets its own rates by ordinance and may charge less, so treat these as the most it can be rather than the bill — the hall has the ordinance.
Community tax certificate — the cedula
IRR arts. 452, 454
₱20, plus ₱1 for every ₱1,000 of income, up to ₱5,000 in all
Accrues 1 January, due by the last day of February. 24% a year on what is late.
Real property tax — the amilyar
IRR arts. 530, 531, 540, 541
Up to 1% of assessed value in a province, up to 2% in a city, plus 1% for the Special Education Fund
In full by 31 March, or in four instalments due 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December. Up to 20% off for paying early.
Business tax
IRR arts. 439, 444
Graduated by gross sales — a retailer pays 2% on the first ₱400,000 and 1% above it
Within the first 20 days of January, or of each quarter.
Professional tax
IRR art. 447
Up to ₱1,300 a year, and it covers practice anywhere in the country
By 31 January, or before you begin to practice.
Transfer of land
IRR art. 437
Up to 0.5% of the price or the fair market value, whichever is higher
Within 60 days of the deed, or of the death of the owner.
Barangay clearance
IRR art. 457
A reasonable fee the barangay council sets by ordinance
On application. The barangay also collects a store tax of up to 1% from the smallest shops.
Filing a complaint at the barangay
IRR arts. 64, 65, 78
Free — the katarungang pambarangay charges no filing fee
Mediation runs 15 days, then 15 more before the pangkat.
Paying any local tax late
IRR art. 459
A surcharge of up to 25%, plus up to 2% a month, capped at 36 months
Runs from the day the tax fell due.
About these figures
Structure from the Philippine Standard Geographic Code; population and land area from Wikidata, which carries PSA’s census figures with their census dates. Population is the 2024 Census of Population. Elected officials are the winners in COMELEC’s 2025 Certificates of Canvass, holding office to June 30, 2028.
Sulu is excluded: the Supreme Court removed it from BARMM. PSA census totals that still count Sulu will therefore be larger than the totals here. Cotabato City is listed as an area of its own, though PSA files it inside Maguindanao del Norte — the provincial figure here has the city taken out of it so the two are not counted twice. Province land area is the province’s own published figure, never a sum of its municipalities: Philippine municipal areas are self-reported and overlap, so they do not add up to the province they sit in. A blank is a fact about the record, not a zero.
A dash means the record has no figure — not a zero. Boundaries and office-holders change; where this differs from an official page, the official page is right.