The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) is fast-tracking compensation for victims of the 2017 Marawi siege, distributing P75.6 million to 40 claimants on March 20. This brings the total funds disbursed to over P1.1 billion, benefiting 713 individuals. MCB continues to expedite the process, ensuring that victims receive the support they are rightfully entitled to. (Photo courtesy of MCB)
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — To fulfill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite the compensation process for victims of the 2017 Marawi siege, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) distributed P75,612,598.32 to 40 claimants, March 20.
This brings the total funds disbursed to P1,187,041,105.48, benefiting 713 claimants.
During the payout, claimant Yusoph expressed relief after years of waiting: “Alhamdulillah kasi naabutan namin yung matagal naming hinihintay. We’ve been waiting actually for how many years and finally dumating na,” he said.
(Praise be to God that we finally got what we’ve been waiting for. We’ve actually been waiting for how many years, and it has finally arrived.)
Though there were some delays, Yusoph is thankful for the creation of MCB, which enables them to receive what they are rightfully entitled to.
Rawia, another claimant, also expressed gratitude despite the delays: “Masaya kami, kahit matagal naming hinintay ito, nauunawaan namin. Sa totoo lang, hindi ito lubos na sapat para sa lahat ng nawala, pero Alhamdulillah, nagpapasalamat pa rin kami. At least kinilala nila ang aming hinaing,” she said.
(We’re happy, even though we’ve waited a long time for this, we understand. Honestly, it’s not fully enough for everything we lost, but Praise be to God, we’re still thankful. At least they acknowledged our concerns.)
She added that the funds will be used wisely for home repairs.
The compensation is governed by Republic Act No. 11696, the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, which provides cash assistance for death claims and compensation for property damages. Death claims are eligible for P350,000, while compensation for destroyed homes is based on construction materials used.
Those with totally destroyed homes will receive P18,000 per square meter for concrete, P13,500 for mixed concrete and wood, and P9,000 for light or pure wood. For partially damaged homes, owners will receive P12,000 for concrete, P9,000 for mixed concrete and wood, and P6,000 for light or pure wood.
MCB continues to process claims and urges remaining claimants to be patient. Under its new chairperson, Attorney Moslemen T. Macarambon Sr., the Board reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its mandate under RA 11696. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur with reports from MCB)
