MARAWI CITY (PIA)--The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) started, July 4, the acceptance of applications for compensation claims from families who lost properties and kin during the 2017 battle between government troops and Islamic State-linked militants here.

The filing of claims is held at the West Marinaut Barangay Complex inside the most affected areas (MAA) of the city. However, only those with confirmed appointments are entertained.

To ensure a smooth and organized compensation process, the board imposed the appointment system. Bookings for an appointment can either be made online or onsite, after which the applicant will be notified through email or text of his or her appointment schedule.

MCB Chairperson, Lawyer Maisara Damdamun-Latiph, said they have already received around 12,000 bookings for July and August.

Inside the processing area, MCB staff verify the authenticity of the booking confirmation, lawyers review the documents and competent evidence to be submitted, and intake officers cross-check the claimant's documents with Kathanor, Kathagombalay, and other official profiling databases. Once verified, the claimant will then be required to provide his biometric information.

Meanwhile, IDPs who were scheduled on the first day of filing commended the process adopted by the board.

"Very smooth yung operation at saka well-arranged. Maganda yung pamamalakad nila. Before ka [makapasok] dito may mga sundalo, then e check nila kung talagang nandoon ka list at kung wala ka sa list di ka talaga papasukin. Then dito, nandyan yung mga staff nila [mag-assist] at yung mga lawyers nila. Madali lang ang proseso," said Anisah Macatanong-Datu, who filed on behalf of her husband.

(The operation is very smooth and well-arranged. Their management is good. Before you can enter, some soldiers will check if you are really on the list, and if you are not on the list, you will not be allowed to enter. Then here, they have staff to assist and their lawyers as well. The process is easy)

She said she was able to complete the filing process in just 10 minutes.

Sailanie Umbar of West Marinaut village is also thankful for the fast speedy and efficient filing procedure. "Nakaramdam ako 'yung feeling na ang saya. Sana po ay makamit na namin yung hinihintay namin (I felt the feeling of happiness. I hope we can receive what we are waiting for)," he said.

The filing period will run until July 3, 2024.

Compensation coverage

Based on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the compensation law, damaged properties are to be paid P18,000 per square meter (sqm) if structures were made of concrete, P13,500 per sqm if mixed concrete and wood, and P9,000 if mainly made of wood or light materials.

The partially destroyed structure will be compensated at P12,000 per square meter if it is concrete, P9,000 if mixed concrete and wood, and P6,000 if made of light materials.

On the other hand, the heirs of those who died due to the siege will be compensated P350,000.

Compensation claims cover those properties located in the 24 MAA barangays. These are Lumbac Madaya, South Madaya, Raya Madaya 1, Raya Madaya 2, Sabala Amanao, Sabala Amanao Proper, Tolali, Daguduban, Norhaya Village, Banggolo Poblacion, Bubong Madaya, Lilod Madaya;

Dansalan, Datu Sa Dansalan, Sangkay Dansalan, Moncado Colony, Moncado Kadilingan, Marinaut West, Marinaut East, Kapantaran, Wawalayan Marinaut, Lumbac Marinaut, Tuca Marinaut, and Datu Naga. 

Eight barangays outside MAA are also covered, namely, Saduc Proper, Panggao Saduc, Raya Saduc, Lilod Saduc, Datu Saber, Bangon, Fort, and Wawalayan Caloocan.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) initially allocated P1 billion this year to implement the compensation law. During the signing of the law's IRR, the MCB disclosed that they requested an additional P7 billion for 2024 to cover more claimants.

The MCB was created under Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Law, to oversee the process of application and payment of compensation to qualified claimants. It is expected to wrap up its task within five years. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)