The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday welcomed the approval of House Bill No. 9925 or the proposed Marawi Compensation Act on second reading to benefit the displaced and affected individuals during the Marawi siege in Lanao del Sur in 2017.
“CHR has consistently advocated for the urgent passage of this bill that will help rebuild Marawi (City) and provide monetary compensation to those who lost their homes and other properties to the armed conflict. CHR lauds this recent development that seeks to address the issue of internal displacement,” spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.
She said CHR also backed the institutionalization of Task Force Bangon Marawi to commence the rollout of the Marawi recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction program, and the establishment of a compensation subcommittee to receive and resolve all claims of affected communities.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, several residents have been living in harsh conditions in temporary shelters and do not have access to basic social services.
De Guia lamented that the sad reality remains that, even after four years since the siege, the people continue to bear the lingering effects of armed conflict.
“There are still displaced residents who are left with limited access to adequate and nutritious food, livelihood, and education. We urge the government to take into consideration the impact of the
long-term displacement to the most vulnerable populations,” she noted.
“The Commission is hopeful that this piece of legislation will be a priority agenda in this administration to alleviate the suffering of the people of Marawi and help them recover from the traumatic event, especially now more than ever, that we are still battling the COVID-19 crisis,” she said.
“It is high-time for government to fulfill the promise of making Marawi City rise and heal after the devastating siege,” she added.