MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has issued a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P1 billion for the compensation of victims of the 2017 Marawi Siege, part of the 2024 national budget. This allocation is aimed at helping the 574 individuals who lost their homes or loved ones during the devastating conflict.
DBM Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman emphasized that the release of the funds is a commitment by the government to support the recovery of Marawi residents who continue to suffer the long-term consequences of the siege. “The government remains steadfast in its promise to assist the people of Marawi in rebuilding their lives,” she said.
Under Section 41 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11696, the amount of compensation will depend on the damage incurred by the beneficiaries, whether it be the loss of a home, business, or personal belongings. The Marawi Compensation Board will oversee the distribution of funds to ensure that the victims receive fair compensation.
The 2017 Marawi Siege
The Marawi Siege, which lasted from May to October 2017, was one of the most devastating urban conflicts in the Philippines. It began when militants affiliated with ISIS took over the city, leading to a five-month-long battle between government forces and extremist groups such as the Maute and Abu Sayyaf. The conflict displaced more than 350,000 residents and resulted in over 1,000 deaths, including civilians and soldiers.
The city was left in ruins, with homes, businesses, and cultural landmarks destroyed. Thousands of residents are still displaced, living in temporary shelters, while the slow rehabilitation process continues. The siege highlighted the vulnerability of the region to extremist activities and underscored the need for long-term government support to rebuild the city.
The compensation fund is part of the ongoing efforts to aid the recovery of Marawi’s displaced residents, providing financial assistance to those who suffered significant losses. The Marawi Compensation Board will handle the claims, ensuring that the distribution process is fair and transparent.
As the people of Marawi continue to rebuild their lives, this P1 billion fund serves as a vital step toward healing the wounds left by the conflict and restoring the city to its former glory. However, much work remains to be done, and residents hope that the government will continue its efforts to fully rehabilitate Marawi in the coming years.
