Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P1 billion for this year’s compensation to Marawi siege victims.
“This allocation provides monetary compensation for 574 beneficiaries/recipients, specifically for structural damages and death claims,” the DBM said in a statement.
Approved on Wednesday, Sept. 25, the SARO will be charged against the General Appropriations Act of fiscal year 2024.
The financial aid aims to support ongoing recovery and rehabilitation for 2017 Marawi crisis victims.
“The compensation covers claims for both fully and partially damaged structures, as well as for lives lost during the conflict,” the DBM said.
The budget chief stressed the importance of the fund release as part of the government’s ongoing effort to support those affected by the siege.
“As a daughter of Mindanao, I can say na malaking tulong po itong P1-billion Marawi Siege Victims Compensation para tuluyang makabangon ang mga kababayan natin sa Marawi,” Pangandaman said.
(As a daughter of Mindanao, I believe that the P1 billion compensation for Marawi siege victims will significantly aid our fellow citizens in their recovery efforts.)
Pangandaman added that the present administration seeks to offer adequate support and resources to enable affected families to return to their everyday lives.
Section 41 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 11696 establishes a streamlined process for determining monetary compensation.
It says “eligible claimants will receive payments based on the extent of their losses, including residential, commercial, or personal properties.”
RA No. 11696 also ceated the Marawi Compensation Board to oversee tax-free fund distribution for victims, ensuring families of deceased victims receive compensation under relevant laws, and allowing legal heirs to claim benefits.