The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has asked the government to speed up the compensation and other benefits due to more than 16,000 families or about 80,000 individuals, called internally displaced person (IDPs), who were severely affected during the five-month Marawi siege in 2017.
Aside from data obtained locally, the CHR cited the report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) which stated that the families of the IDPs have resided in transitional shelters provided by the government, under a five-year lease agreement between the landowners and the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM).
Unfortunately, the CHR said that the leases expired in 2023 and these families were forced to relocate or pay rent, among other financial responsibilities, to sustain their basic needs.
It said that some IDPs even lamented that the compensation offered by the government does not reflect the current inflation rate and the rising cost of construction materials, and they are asking the government to reassess their properties based on fair market value to ensure that the compensation package aligns with prevailing economic conditions.
"As the nation's prime advocate for the protection and promotion of human rights, the CHR urges the Philippine government to expedite the distribution of compensation to the internally displaced families of Marawi City," the CHR said in a statement.
"The Commission expresses its concern that delays in disbursing benefits will lead to further repercussions such as food insecurity, inadequate sanitation facilities, and increased security risks," it said.
Earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) had started providing free legal assistance to IDPs and other victims of the Marawi siege to help them process their claims for compensation.
Claims by qualified IDPs and other victims are mandated under Republic Act No. 11696, a 2022 law that provides compensation for loss or destruction of properties and loss of lives during the five-month conflict between government troops and militant groups.
The month-long caravan in Marawi City is spearheaded by the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) and the Public Attorney's Office (PAO).
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla has directed Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez to supervise the caravan which will conclude on July 3, the deadline for the filing of claims under RA 11696.
The caravan, dubbed as "Katarungan Caravan," is being conducted in line with Department Order (DO) No. 324, series of 2024 issued by Remulla.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will provide clearances to speed up the process of claims.
Also in its statement, the CHR expressed its support to the review of RA 11696 by the House Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Reparation.
Headed by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, the purpose of the review is to determine whether amending the law could address issues related to appraisal standards.
"Being impacted by conflict and displacement is already traumatic. For seven years, these families have yearned to return to their normal lives. We urge all stakeholders to collaborate and expedite lasting solutions, enabling them to not only rebuild their homes but also their lives," CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc said.
Another proposed legislation being supported by the CHR is House Bill No. 8269, the “Rights of Internally Displaced Persons Act.” The CHR said the legislation will help both the national government and local government units (LGUs) prepare for and respond to emergencies resulting in internal displacement.
If passed into law, the bill will guarantee a human rights-based approach for the protection and promotion of the rights of IDPs and other non-combatants in accordance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and other international treaties and conventions.
"We appeal to Congress to pass the IDP bill into law to avoid situations like the unfortunate conditions faced by our kababayans in Marawi City, and to ensure that there will be a more effective and coordinated response to such crises in the future," Palpal-latoc said.