MARAWI CITY (PIA) -- Individuals who submitted claims for losses incurred during the Marawi siege expressed contentment upon receiving government compensation, seeing it as a crucial step towards rebuilding their lives and attaining full recovery.
A structural claimant conveyed gratitude towards the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) and its establishment for families displaced from the city's most affected area.
"Phanalamat kami ko Allah. Paganay ron na sa kya aprob sa giya Marawi Compensation Board ago sa giyaya mga staff tano. Opama na mini rampay so kapham'migay o gobyerno," she expressed during the ceremonial awarding of structural claim on April 17.
(We are thankful to Allah. First, we are grateful for the approval of the Marawi Compensation Board and its staff. The aid from the government has finally reached us).
Nora Culaste, who lost a family member during the siege, stated that the financial aid from the government would serve as a vital lifeline for their family's recovery.
“Dako kaayo ang akong pasalamat sa akong nadawat karon sa MCB na gihatag sa among pamilya para sa anak ko na nawala. Dili lalim nga mawad-an ta sa isa kapamilya. Sakit man sa ako’ang huna-huna na nawala ang akong anak, pero wala na ko’y mahimo kay pagbuot man na sa ginoo," she shared.
(I am deeply grateful for what our family received from the MCB for my lost son. Losing a family member is not easy. It pains me to think that my son is gone, but I can do nothing as it is the will of God).
As of April 30, the MCB has disbursed P148,848,794.26 for victims of the 2017 Marawi siege as compensation. This amount was allocated to 86 death claims and 32 structural and personal property claims.
Claimants gather for the ceremonial distribution of structural and property claims administered by the Marawi Compensation Board on April 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of MCB)
Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, the MCB chairperson, expressed hope that through this compensation, claimants could embark on a new chapter after the devastating impact of the Marawi siege.
"We understand that no amount of financial compensation can fully heal the wounds inflicted by this tragedy, but it is a tangible step towards acknowledging the sacrifices made by the victims and their loved ones and providing support to those in need after the siege," she remarked.
The MCB opened in July 2023 the applications for claims, including death, structural property, personal property, and other property claims. Families of those deceased during the siege will receive P350,000, while victims who lost their homes may claim compensation of P18,000 per square meter for totally damaged structures or P12,000 per square meter for partially damaged structures.
The application period for compensation will conclude on July 4, 2024. (APB,PIA Region 10-Lanao del Sur)
