Marawi City—The Bangsamoro Government’s Marawi Rehabilitation Program (MRP) and Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) have embarked on an extensive legal rights education initiative for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the city. This effort seeks to raise awareness among IDPs about their rights under Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 62, also known as the “Rights of Internally Displaced Persons of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Act of 2024.”
The advocacy program officially launched on December 17, 2024, at Darussalam Village, with two batches of IDPs participating—the first on the launch day and the second on December 19. The sessions are part of a larger campaign that will run until February 24, 2025, targeting all 15 shelters across Marawi City. Organizers aim to educate approximately 1,000 IDPs by the end of the program.
“We will conduct this activity in all 15 shelters across the city until February 24, 2025. Our goal is to educate an estimated total of 1,000 IDPs by next year,” said Norlailah Nolan Datumolok, MRP’s Information Officer II.
Empowering IDPs Through Knowledge
This initiative is a cornerstone of MRP’s commitment to advocating for the rights of Marawi’s IDPs. It addresses knowledge gaps through tailored and accessible sessions on critical legal frameworks, particularly BAA 62. The landmark legislation, passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority on September 27, 2024, is the first in the country to specifically address IDP needs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It aligns with both international humanitarian standards and the Philippine Constitution.
The first batch of participants included purok leaders and other community members, reflecting the program’s focus on equipping grassroots leaders to disseminate knowledge within their communities.
Comprehensive Lectures and Open Discussions
Atty. Nasifah D. Abolais-Langlang, Provincial Director of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), led the sessions with comprehensive lectures on BAA 62. The discussions highlighted the rights, responsibilities, and protections afforded to IDPs under the law.
The seminars also featured an open forum, allowing participants to engage directly with experts. The panel included:
- Atty. Nasifah D. Abolais-Langlang (BHRC Provincial Director)
- Atty. Gilbert Sembrano
- Sailanie Alauya (Program Director)
- Engr. Cosain Batuampar (Project Development Officer V)
- Engr. Abdulhanif Ondi (MRP Member of the Management Committee)
This diverse panel provided in-depth answers to IDPs’ questions, ensuring clarity and fostering a better understanding of their rights.
Moving Forward
The ongoing legal education seminars are a testament to the Bangsamoro Government’s dedication to empowering vulnerable communities. By focusing on the rights of Marawi’s IDPs, the initiative aims to build resilience and promote legal literacy, ensuring that those affected by displacement can better navigate their challenges and access their entitlements.
As the program continues, it hopes to serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating the importance of community engagement and legal education in addressing the plight of internally displaced persons.