DBM OKAYS RELEASE OF P1B COMPENSATION FOR MARAWI SIEGE VICTIMS

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the disbursement of P1 billion to compensate the victims of the Marawi siege.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has authorized a special allotment release order to cover the compensation for Marawi siege victims under the 2023 General Appropriations Act. 

Some 362 victims will receive financial compensation from the P1 billion allotted under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

According to the 2023 General Appropriations Act’s NDRRMF special clause, initial allocation is for compensation for any lawful owner of residential, cultural, commercial and other properties in Marawi’s impacted regions or other affected locations that were destroyed or partially-damaged during the siege; owners of private properties demolished during the Marawi’s recovery, restoration, and reconstruction; and heirs of those who died and legally presumed dead, in accordance with Republic Act 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022.

The guidelines are to be promulgated by the Marawi Compensation Board.

“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, a Maranao, said. 

“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. Seeing my fellow Maranaos overcome that dreadful history with so much strength and resiliency brings warmth to my heart,” the Budget Secretary emphasized.

Pangandaman thanked President Bongbong Marcos for his continuous support on programs and projects in Mindanao.

“Malaking bagay po sa mga Maranao at sa mga taga Mindanao ito. It makes us feel that we are indeed part of this unified Bagong Pilipinas, where no one is left behind,” Pangandaman added.

The Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2002 signed by then president Rodrigo Duterte intends to provide reparation and compensation to Marawi residents whose properties were defaced or wrecked during the five-month clash in 2017.

More than 1,000 died when the Islamic State-inspired Muslim militants laid siege to Marawi until government troops regained control of the city.