MARAWI CITY (PIA) — With the full backing and support of the national government, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) is ramping up its efforts to ensure faster and more efficient compensation for those impacted by the 2017 Marawi Siege
MCB Chairperson Maisara Damdamun-Latiph, during the nationwide broadcast of Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on February 10, emphasized the government’s unwavering support for the Board’s mission to assist the victims of the devastating siege.
“Nakikita natin na 100% support ang ating Presidente, ang ating Executive Secretary, at DBM Secretary. Nandiyan talaga sila nakaantabay sa ating opisina at nakikinig sila kung ano pa ang mga kakulangan at mga hamon na dapat naming harapin. Masaya ang Marawi Compensation Board kasi isa kami sa mga nakikita naming priority ng gobyerno para bumangon muli at magkaroon ng normalidad ang buhay ng mga taga Marawi,” she said.
(We can see that our President, Executive Secretary, and DBM Secretary provided 100 percent support. They are there, constantly monitoring our office and listening to what other shortcomings and challenges we need to address. The Marawi Compensation Board is grateful to be a government priority, working to rebuild Marawi and restore normalcy for its people.)
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite the compensation process, Latiph highlighted the board’s swift actions to address the claims.
“In the same year, we took our oath, we worked immediately to settle the claims,” she added.
The MCB has resolved 1,436 claims, approving 1,161 worth P2.03 billion. It has consolidated 119 claims for renters, sharers, and co-owners, while 496 claims totaling P841.89 million have been awarded.
The compensation operates under the legal framework of Republic Act 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022. The law outlines compensation for those who lost family members and property during the 2017 Marawi siege, with death claims eligible for P350,000 in cash assistance.
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.
The compensation covers properties within the 24 barangays in the Most Affected Area (MAA), also known as “ground zero,” where intense fighting occurred between government forces and the Maute Group. Eight barangays outside the MAA that were heavily impacted by the siege are also included in the compensation efforts.
“This year, nagta-target tayo ng 2,000 to 3,000 claimants. Kung tutuusin, doble na ang tina-target namin this 2025. As of 2028, dapat tapos na namin lahat. If we’re targeting 3,000 a year, we’ll be able to finish at that time,” said Latiph.
(This year, we’re targeting 2,000 to 3,000 claimants. Our target for 2025 is already doubled. By 2028, we should have completed everything. If we target 3,000 a year, we’ll be able to finish by then.)
Latiph reassured that the MCB is committed to fulfilling its mission. With the continued support of the national government, she expressed confidence that the Board will meet its goals and restore normalcy to the lives of Marawi residents. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
