The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P1 billion for compensation to victims of the 2017 Marawi siege.
The funds will be disbursed through a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) under the 2023 national budget.
The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has identified 362 victims who will receive monetary compensation from the P1 billion allocation.
The compensation will be provided to various groups, including lawful owners of properties in Marawi's Main Affected Areas or Other Affected Areas that were damaged or destroyed during the siege.
Owners of private properties demolished as part of the Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Program will also be compensated.
The legal heirs of individuals who died or are presumed dead, in accordance with RA No. 11696 and guidelines established by the Marawi Compensation Board, will be eligible for compensation.
These measures aim to address the losses and hardships faced by individuals and property owners affected by the Marawi siege and subsequent recovery efforts.
P1-B fund approved for Marawi siege victims
At a glance
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has granted its approval for the disbursement of P1 billion as compensation to the victims of the 2017 Marawi siege.
In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the DBM has approved the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the purpose of compensating the Marawi Siege victims, as outlined in the 2023 national budget.
“The rehabilitation and recovery of Marawi has always been a project that is close to my heart. I am a Maranao by soul and blood, and I feel so much joy and pride seeing Marawi rise again six years after the siege,” Pangadaman said.
“I am sincerely thankful that President Bongbong Marcos continues to support programs and projects in Mindanao. It makes us feel that we are indeed part of this unified Bagong Pilipinas, where no one is left behind,” she added.
A total of 362 victims have been identified by the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) to receive financial compensation from the P1 billion allocation sourced from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF).
Special Provision No. 3 of the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act specifies the utilization of funds from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF).
These funds are allocated for compensation purposes to three key groups.
Firstly, compensation will be provided to the owners of properties located in Marawi's affected areas that experienced damage or destruction during the Marawi Siege. This includes residential, cultural, commercial structures, and other properties.
Secondly, owners of private properties that were demolished as part of the Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Program will also be eligible for compensation.
Lastly, the legal heirs of individuals who have passed away or are legally presumed dead, as determined by the guidelines established by the Marawi Compensation Board, will be entitled to compensation.
In accordance with RA No. 116964, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, MCB was established to facilitate the tax-free payment of compensation or reparations to qualified individuals whose properties and possessions were lost or destroyed due to the 2017 Marawi Siege.
Meanwhile, Section 41 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 11696, Determination of Award of Monetary Compensation, establishes the framework for determining the monetary compensation claims due to each eligible claimant for loss of lives.
It also mandates the MCB to determine the monetary compensation and award of the lawful owner based on the Fair Market Value or replacement cost of the total or repair cost of partially damaged structures of the residential, cultural, and commercial properties.
“Indeed, there is still a lot more to do. But let this milestone serve as a reminder to all of us to shape a future moving forward, steered by our united commitment to achieve lasting peace and long-term prosperity,” Pangandaman emphasized.