Appoint Marawi compensation board members, Marcos Jr. urged

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos should start compensating victims of the 2017 Marawi siege in accordance with Republic Act 11696, according to Mayor Majul Gandamra.

In an interview with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News the other night, Gandamra said the President should organize and appoint members of the compensation board to ensure that the law would benefit the victims of the siege.

While he acknowledged the efforts of the government to rehabilitate the city, Gandamra said much remains to be done, including compensating victims, especially those from the most affected area or ground zero.

The nine-member compensation board is tasked to receive and evaluate compensation for loss of lives and property due to the siege.

The budget department had earlier said P1 billion was allocated under the 2023 budget to compensate victims of the Marawi siege.

Gandamra noted that while many infrastructure and public facilities have been rebuilt, basic facilities, such as water systems and electricity, are still major concerns. He expressed hope that the government would sustain rehabilitation works.

He said residents of 72 of 96 affected barangays have returned to their homes, but those from 24 other barangays from ground zero either remain in temporary and other permanent shelters built by the government or live outside the city.

Asked about peace and security in Marawi five years after the siege, Gandamra said the city is ”relatively peaceful.”

He cited the ”strong presence of security forces” and the coordination of religious and traditional leaders, local government and barangay officials as well as residents.