Months after the acceptance of claims application was opened and the adjudication started, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) led the ceremonial awarding of death claims to 22 legal heirs of the victims of the warfare in this city in 2017.
Pursuant to the signed implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, each approved claim was compensated with P350,000.
MCB Chairperson Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph conveyed that this remarkable event was special and caused great elation not just to the board but to the concerned constituents, as this was known to be the first-ever in the history of the nation.
She noted that the money that was paid out was from the national government through the country's taxpayers.
Latiph stressed that although the amount would not suffice for the cost of the lives lost during the five-month battle, the government was nonetheless hopeful that this would have a positive effect and would help those who greatly clamor for it.
“Kahit papaano, sa claimants ay mabawasan ang lungkot at sakit na naidulot sa atin ng mga araw na iyon at magpahanggang ngayon, anim na taon na ang nakaraan [At least to the claimants, the grief and pain inflicted on us on that day, six years ago, and until now, would be eased],” she said.
MCB Secretary Lawyer Raifah Pamaloy-Hassan attested to this while underscoring that the awarding was also a moment to recognize the resilience of those who have been left behind.
She testified that the claimants diligently followed the board's established due process by first going to the intake site, submitting their applications and pertinent documents, and participating in the meticulous clarificatory hearing.
Hassan underlined that as they continue their journey of compensating eligible individuals, they know that they are still far from their target destination.
However, she emphasized their intent to be a continuing initiative, determined to achieve their promise of processing all claims with the guarantee that more citizens would receive the appropriate amount.
“Nagsikap ng ating mga board member upang tiyakin na mga eligible na makakatanggap ng compensation ay mabibigyan ng nararapat na suporta [Our board members have persevered to ensure that those eligible to receive compensation would be given the appropriate support],” said Hassan.
The board earlier expressed its sincere gratitude to everyone who poured trust in them, as this motivated them to work hard, stand their ground, and listen to the victims.
As of press time, the MCB has logged 10,000 claims and is looking forward to taking more applications until July 3, 2024, targeting 20,000 applicants.
For this year, 59 death claims have already been processed, with 22 recently awarded, 14 already processed and awaiting to be granted, and the remaining 23 to be accommodated next.
Meanwhile, at least 300 structural claims will be awarded in the following month. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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