In a significant move to aid the recovery of Marawi City, the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has successfully distributed over PHP841 million to 1,436 claimants affected by the 2018 siege. This was revealed during a recent episode of the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program, where MCB Chairperson Maisara Dandamun-Latiph shared the progress of their efforts over the past two years.
Latiph highlighted the board’s efficiency, noting that they are on track to meet their payment targets. She announced plans to compensate between 2,000 to 3,000 more claimants this year. The MCB, established under Republic Act 11696, is responsible for processing a total of 14,495 claims from individuals whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed during the conflict that ravaged 32 barangays.
The board, functioning as a quasi-judicial body, meticulously reviews each application to ensure that compensation is awarded accurately and to prevent fraudulent claims. Latiph stressed the importance of this process in supporting the genuine recovery of Marawi’s residents. The MCB’s deadline to complete all compensations is set for 2028, reflecting a long-term commitment to the city’s rehabilitation.
The efforts of the MCB are crucial in helping Marawi residents rebuild their lives and restore their communities, offering a beacon of hope amidst the challenges they face.