MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--After months of supporting the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) of this city, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur wrapped up its program aiming to provide free legal assistance to residents applying for compensation for their affected properties and families lost during the warfare here in 2017. 

It can be remembered that following the official start of the acceptance of claims applications by the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB), the local government, through its Provincial Legal Office, opened its legal hub on July 10 this year to extend aid to claimants through notarial services and drafting of simple non-commercial documents to hasten the processing of their applications.

Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Lanao del Sur Chapter Former President Lawyer Dagoroan Macarambon II conveyed that his group’s participation in this endeavor has been remarkable as this became their avenue to help the needy members of their community.

“This momentous event is very special to IBP because this is an opportunity provided by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur for us to serve our community to provide assistance needed by our community affected by the Marawi siege,” he said. 

This was attested by Aminoden Macaradi of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC)-Lanao del Sur, who also shared how overwhelming it was when assisting his fellow Maranaos, although it was at times tedious.

“You feel fulfilled and ma-feel mong nakagawa ka ng mabuti (feel that you have done right) because of the services we provided them,” he said.

While lawyer volunteers garner recognition for their feat, Provincial Board Secretary Lawyer Aminoden Macalandap heartened his fellow legal officers to continue persevering and living out justice. 

“Let us remember that the work we do is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty to serve our fellow human beings, especially our Maranao brethren. Together, let us continue striving towards a society where access to justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right to every Maranao,” he said. 

As this program came out victorious with all of its objectives achieved, the provincial government expressed its willingness to reimplement this for the welfare of the populace clamoring for it.

“Mas mainam rin na itong legal assistance hub ay maulit rin kasi marami ring agencies sa national na nakipag-usap at tinatanong if mayroon ba daw tayong assistance na isinasagawa para sa claimants. Sabi nila gusto nilang magkaroon ng part two. Alam ko rin na marami rin tayong claimants and maganda rin na magkaroon ito ng part two,” said Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong.

(It is better if this legal assistance hub is repeated because a lot of national agencies discussed and asked if we have conducted this assistance for the claimants. They said they wanted to have part two. I know as well that we still have a lot of claimants, and it will be wonderful if this will have part two). (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)