Mindanaotoday.com | Marawi Compensation Board begins death benefit payouts
By: Claire R. Gigje
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – Months after opening the claims application and commencing adjudication, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) conducted a ceremonial awarding of death claims to 22 legal heirs of victims affected by the 2017 warfare in this city.
Under the signed implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, MCB compensated each approved claim with P350,000.
Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, chairperson of the MCB, said that this remarkable event brings profound joy to the board and constituents as it signified a maiden phase in the nation’s history.
She pointed out that the national government provided the funds through the country’s taxpayers.
Latiph emphasized that although the amount would not suffice the cost of lives lost during the five-month battle, the government remained hopeful that it would positively impact those in dire need.
“Kahit papaano, sa claimants ay mabawasan ang lungkot at sakit na naidulot sa atin ng mga araw na iyon at magpahanggang ngayon, anim na taon na ang nakaraan,” she said.
(At least to the claimants, the grief and pain inflicted on us on that day, six years ago, and until now, would be eased).
MCB Secretary Lawyer Raifah Pamaloy-Hassan attested to this while underscoring that the awarding was also a moment to recognize the resilience of those left behind.
She testified that the claimants had piously followed the due process set by the board as they proceeded to the intake site, submitted their applications and pertinent documents, and underwent the meticulous clarificatory hearing.
Hassan emphasized that as they continue compensating eligible individuals, they know they are still far from reaching their target destination.
However, she emphasized their intent to be a continuing initiative, determined to achieve their promise of processing all claims with the guarantee that more citizens would receive the apt amount.
“Nagsikap ng ating mga board member upang tiyakin na mga eligible na makakatanggap ng compensation ay mabibigyan ng nararapat na suporta,” said Hassan.
(Our board members have persevered to ensure those eligible for compensation are supported and helped).
The board expressed its sincere gratitude to everyone who poured their trust as this motivated them to work hard, stand firm, and listen to the victims.
As of press time, the MCB has logged 10,000 claims and is looking forward to taking more applications until July 3, 2024, targeting to cater to 20,000 applicants.
This year, the MCB processed 59 death claims, with 22 recently remunerated and 14 on-process awaiting approval. Next in line are the remaining 23 claims for processing.
Next month, the board plans to award at least 300 structural claims. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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