Twenty-two death claimants have begun receiving payments for their loved ones who perished in the five-month historic battle in this city in 2017, igniting hope and optimism.
The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has awarded compensation of P350,000 to each eligible applicant who filed a claim for loss of life during the war.
Litisia Palahang, a recipient from Iligan City, beamed with overwhelming joy as she clutched her cheque.
With steadfast determination, she affirmed that regardless of her circumstances, she would forever cherish the memory of her son, who perished in the tragedy, above any sum of money or material wealth.
Although Palahang had accepted the tragic loss of her family member who had worked and thrived in the Islamic city but died during the siege, she opted to grab the chance and use the financial aid as an opportunity to rebuild her life.
“May opportunity kami na masali sa compensation, kaya kinuha na namin. Nagpapasalamat kami sa MCB na tumulong sa amin,” she said.
(We had the opportunity to be part of the indemnification, so we grabbed it. We are thankful to the MCB who helped us).
Jovita Amarga, a resident of Libertad town in Misamis Oriental province, thanked the board for handing her the cheques as compensation for the loss of her loved ones.
She shared that her husband and son worked in this city but unfortunately did not survive the clash years ago.
Although it cost her an amount to process the listed prerequisites, Amarga felt gratified as all her efforts paid off.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa MCB. Naningkamot lang gyud mi nga mahuman namo ang among requirements, para mapasa namo ang mga gipangayo nga requirements,” she said.
(We are thankful to the MCB. We strived to finish working and submit all the requirements).
Ricky Baroy from Iligan City, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude the moment he received the compensation for his brother's death.
He explained that despite being the victim's sibling and having his brother's son as the official beneficiary, he would oversee the funds received as the grantee is a minor. As the youngest claimant, he assumed the role of guardian.
“Makatiwas gyud siya (anak sa biktima) sa pag-eskwela kay kining kwarta, para ilaha man gyud ni. Dili man kabayran ang kinabuhi nga nawala sa kwarta lang pero kabubut-on man sa kahitas-an nga mao na ang nahitabo. Karon, niabot na nga na-awardan mi ug nagpasalamat mi,” said Baroy.
(We can now ensure that the son of the deceased continues his studies as this financial aid is for them. Although money can never compensate for the lost life, we believe it was a divine plan. We express gratitude for this award).
Following the start of the awarding of death claims, the MCB also plans to kick off the distribution of payments to at least 300 approved structural applications in the coming month. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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