MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The citizenry in the province of Lanao del Sur have expressed their appreciation for the proposed law formulated by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament that stresses the rights of every internally displaced person (IDP) in the Bangsamoro region. 

The BTA has introduced Parliament Bill No. 32 or the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Act which intends to provide strengthened protection for residents, regardless of Bangsamoro or non-Bangsamoro, who were displaced due to disasters and calamities, whether human-induced or not.

Aisah Duterte Radia, an IDP from Saguiaran town, conveyed that the bill would be a big help to them as it would outline the things they would be entitled to, being victims of undesired circumstances. 

She stated that for many years since the Marawi siege destroyed their living, they could finally relish long-term regard from the government.

“Nabigyan kami ng atensyon. Sa tinagal-tagal, napansin kami,” said Radia. 

(We are given attention. For so long, we are now noticed.)

Najma Daromimbang, also an IDP from Pamayandeg sa Ranao Residences at Dansalan (PRRD) in Brgy. Kilala here, likewise supported the posited claim.

She especially underscored their happiness after they have been invited to a public consultation for the bill on Tuesday, May 30.

Daromimbang underlined that the Bangsamoro government is sincere in its intention of integrating the IDPs into the governance. 

“Dito namin naramdaman na talagang iniencourage nila kami at sinasama sa lahat ng proseso. Malalaman namin dito ang act, at nabigyan din kami ng oportunidad na magbigay ng suhestiyon kung ano ang mas ikakabuti ng batas nito,” she said.

(It is here that we feel that they are encouraging us, and allowing us to be part of the process. We will know from here what this act is, and we are allowed to give suggestions on what else can make this act better.)

Daromimbang hoped that when the bill would be enacted, it would truly resolve the concerns of the IDPs.

Meanwhile, Sultan Al Samporna who is a humanitarian worker in the province, acclaimed the Bangsamoro government for proposing a law that covers the welfare of the IDPs.

He saw this as significant since in the Bangsamoro region, a lot of residents, particularly from the marginalized sector, suffer from the collateral damage brought about by disasters encountered.

“Bilang isang humanitarian at development worker, ito ang madalas naming sinisigaw upang makatulong sa ating survivors, ang magkaroon ng batas. Sa wakas (As a humanitarian and development worker, this is what we usually call for to help our survivors, which is to have a law. At last), the Bangsamoro has drafted this kind of bill,” said Samporna. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)