Aquino names members of Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday named the nine members of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board which will process, evaluate and approve the application for claims during the Marcos regime.

"President Aquino has signed the appointments of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio 'Sonny' Coloma, Jr. said.

Coloma said Lina Castillo Sarmiento is the chair of the board. Other members include Wilfred D. Asis, Galuasch G. Ballaho, Byron D. Bocar, Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon, Glenda T. Litong, Jacqueline B. Veloria Mejia, Aurora Corazon A. Parong and Erlinda N. Senturias.

The board was created upon the passage of Republic Act 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013. Aquino signed the law in February last year in time for the 27th anniversary of the People Power Revolution which overthrew the government of President Ferdinand Marcos.

The president said the law recognizes the heroism and sacrifices of Filipinos who were victims of summary execution, torture, enforced or involuntary disappearance and other gross human rights violations during the martial law period.