November 5, 2024 | Manila, Philippines — During a recent hearing of the Special Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa presided over discussions regarding Senate Bill 2828, which seeks to amend Republic Act (R.A.) 11696, or the ‘Marawi Siege Victim Compensation Act of 2022.’ Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra voiced his strong support for the bill, emphasizing the need to improve the law’s implementation and broaden its scope to ensure more comprehensive compensation for Marawi siege victims.
Mayor Gandamra, who has consistently advocated for the inclusion of all affected areas in Marawi, reiterated the importance of adjusting the criteria for determining compensation. Specifically, he proposed that monetary restitution should be based on the replacement or repair cost of damaged properties, as outlined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. 11696.
“We are deeply grateful for the proposed amendments, but it is crucial that we also address the exclusion of several barangays that were severely impacted by the Marawi siege,” Gandamra stated. “Many residents of these barangays lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. These areas must not be overlooked in the process of determining who is eligible for compensation.”
The Marawi siege, which began in May 2017, left much of the city in ruins, displacing thousands of residents and forcing many to seek refuge in evacuation centers. While eight barangays in Marawi City are currently included in the compensation law, Gandamra pointed out that there are 64 other barangays in the region that were equally affected by the conflict. These areas, while not directly at the epicenter of the fighting, saw widespread displacement and extensive damage to infrastructure and personal property.
In his position paper, which was submitted during the hearing, Mayor Gandamra emphasized that these barangays should be added to the list of “other affected areas” defined under section 3, paragraph g of R.A. 11696. The inclusion of these additional barangays would ensure that more victims of the siege receive the compensation and support they need to rebuild their lives.
“The residents of these barangays, while not in the immediate battle zones, were forced to flee their homes due to the proximity of the conflict. Many lost their homes, businesses, and personal property,” Gandamra explained. “When they returned, they found their homes destroyed, their belongings looted, and their livelihoods gone. These people deserve compensation too.”
The 64 barangays that Gandamra proposed for inclusion were subjected to similar challenges during the siege, including displacement, loss of property, and damage to businesses. Many residents were forced into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps or took refuge with relatives. Although they were not at the heart of the fighting, their hardships were no less significant.
The current bill, however, includes only one of these 64 barangays, Barangay Bubonga, which is recognized in the proposed amendments. Despite this, Gandamra remains hopeful that the Senate will consider the plight of the remaining 63 barangays in future revisions.
“I sincerely appreciate the inclusion of Barangay Bubonga in the proposed amendments,” Gandamra said. “But I strongly urge our lawmakers to also consider the inclusion of the other 63 barangays. These areas deserve to be recognized and compensated for the trauma and devastation they endured.”
As discussions continue, Mayor Gandamra has called on the Senate to fast-track the passage of Bill S. No. 2828 to ensure that all victims of the Marawi siege, regardless of their barangay’s proximity to the conflict, receive fair and timely compensation.
The hearing, which was attended by key stakeholders, including local government officials, civil society groups, and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, highlighted the ongoing challenges in the rehabilitation and compensation process. As the recovery efforts continue, the hope is that this amended bill will bring greater relief to all those affected by the siege and help them rebuild their lives.
