MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) has expressed its delight after members of the Marawi Compensation Board were appointed.

Lawyer Maisara Dandamun Latiph was put in charge of the board by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at the end of January this year. The other members are Dalomabi Lao Bula, Mustapha Dimaampao, Moslemen Macarambon Sr., Nasser Macapado Tabao, Mabandes Sumndad Diron Jr., Jamaica Lamping Dimaporo, Sittie Aliyyahh Lomondo.

TFBM Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr. reiterated that the total recovery of the war-torn city will never be attained unless the displaced residents return to their old homes in ground zero.

"Kami ay natutuwa na sa wakas ay mayroon na tayong members ng Marawi Compensation Board. Ang lagi naman naming sinasabi na ang rehabilitasyon ay hindi talaga makokompleto kung hindi makakabalik ang ating mga kababayan doon sa most affected area, doon sa kanilang dating tinitirhan," he said. 

(We are happy that, finally, we already have members of the Marawi Compensation Board. We have always stated that the rehabilitation will not be completed if our fellow citizens cannot go back to the most affected area where they lived)

Castro emphasized that many affected Maranaos rely heavily on government compensation for their damaged properties.
As such, they all look forward to the operations of the Marawi Compensation Board and the start of the processing of applications for claims.

Castro recalled that P1 billion worth of funding has been apportioned under the 2023 budget for the reparation and compensation of the victims of the siege here.

He hoped that with this amount and the existence of the board, further necessary actions would be taken for the sake of the welfare of the concerned citizens.

"Sana ito ay tuloy-tuloy na para makinabang na rin ang ating mga kababayan (I hope this is continuous so that our fellowmen can benefit)," said Castro. 

The formation of the Marawi Compensation Board is pursuant to Republic Act No. 11696, also known as the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, which was approved on April 13, 2022, by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The law directs the payment of all lives lost, and properties damaged or destroyed due to the warfare in the city in 2017. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)