MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) is now complete following the appointment of its nine members by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. 

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed the appointment of Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph as chairperson of the board. Latiph is a former member of parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. 

The board's eight members are Dalomabi Lao Bula, Mustapha Dimaampao, Moslemen Macarambon Sr., Nasser Macapado Tabao, Mabandes Sumndad Diron Jr., Jamaica Lamping Dimaporo, Sittie Aliyyahh Lomondot Adiong, and Romaisa Lomantong Mamutuk. 

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin led the oath-taking of the new appointees, January 30. 

In her statement, Latiph expressed her joy for being appointed as the board chief, which garnered support from her fellow Muslims, including Senator Robinhood Padilla.

She vowed to exert her best effort to uphold the mandate bestowed upon her. 

"Maraming salamat ya Allah at ako po ay hinirang ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos bilang chairperson ng Marawi Compensation Board na siyang tutulong sa muling pagbangon at paghilom ng Marawi. Inshallah, sisikapin ko at ng aking miyembro na magtagumpay ang MCB," said Latiph.

(Thank you, Allah, and I was appointed chairperson of the Marawi Compensation Board by President Bongbong Marcos, which will aid in the rise and healing of Marawi. If God wills, I and my members will strive for the success of the MCB)

The formation of the MCB is provided by the passed Republic Act No. 11696, otherwise known as the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022 which was signed by then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on April 13, 2022.

The law shall provide reparation and compensation for persons and families whose properties were destroyed due to the firefight between the military forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group in 2017. 

Later in 2022, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the inclusion of P1 billion in the 2023 budget lodged under the P31 billion Calamity Fund to implement the provisions of the said act. However, the national government maintained its assurance that sufficient funds would be allocated to carry out necessary actions.

Following the recent announcement of the final establishment of the MCB, the DBM conveyed its full favor to the members, especially that the primary aim of the board is of great importance to the budget chief. 

"The rehabilitation and recovery of Marawi City is a project that is close to my heart as a fellow Maranaoan," said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman during her latest meeting with the MCB members. 

The national government stipulated that the payments to be made to qualified claimants would be tax-free. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)