MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) conveyed its firm support to all the actions taken by the Marawi Compensation Board in furtherance of its operations.

The TFBM Field Office Manager, Asec. Felix Castro Jr., said under Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, his office is required to first help write the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) and update the post-conflict needs assessment (PCNA), which was made in 2017 and 2018.

Even though the Marawi Compensation Board is a separate organization with its own goals, like the TFBM, it still wants to help the people of the city who have been forced to leave their homes.

Castro said that because of this, they are always ready to help the board with its day-to-day tasks.

"Although this is an independent board and organization kasi may sarili silang mandato at hiwalay sila sa amin but parehas lang naman ang aming objective which is to assist the IDPs so kami ay handang tumulong to assist them," he said. 

(Although this is an independent board and organization because it has its own mandate that is separate from ours, our objective is the same, which is to assist the IDPs, so we are ready to assist them)

On the baseline of creating the list of rightful recipients, Castro explained that the source of data to be used as the basis of the compensation to the victims of the 2017 siege would depend on the board.

But he said that if the board needs it, his office is ready to share the information it has so that it doesn't have to start from scratch. This has already been validated and is being used in the distribution of aid.

Castro also told the IDPs to give the members of the Marawi Compensation Board time to get their jobs, processes, and paperwork in order.

"The Task Force Bangon Marawi will continue to assist. Hindi natin pababayaan ito hanggang makamit niyo ang compensation. Ang Task Force Bangon Marawi ay nandito lamang. Lage nga naming sinasabi, sabay-sabay nating ibabangon ang Marawi," said Castro. 

(The Task Force Bangon Marawi will continue to assist. We will not leave you until you get compensation. The Task Force Bangon Marawi is always here. As we have always said, together, we shall make Marawi rise again). (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)