DBM releases P1-B compensation for Marawi siege victims

Amenah Pangandaman. (File Photo: Department of Budget and Management/Facebook)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP1 billion in compensation for Marawi siege victims.

In a statement Wednesday, the DBM said the allocation would provide monetary compensation to 574 beneficiaries/recipients, specifically for structural damages and death claims.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the funding complements the government’s ongoing effort to assist those impacted by the siege.

“As a daughter of Mindanao, I can say na malaking tulong po itong PHP1-billion Marawi Siege Victims Compensation para tuluyang makabangon ang mga kababayan natin sa Marawi (this PHP1-billion Marawi Siege Victims Compensation is a big help for our countrymen rebuilding their lives in Marawi),” Pangandaman said.

“Gusto po ng administrasyon ni President BBM na mabigyan ng sapat na suporta at kakayanan ang mga apektadong pamilya na maibalik sa normal ang kanilang pamumuhay (The President wants the government to provide ample support to the victims and their families so that they can return to their normal lives),” she added.

The assistance, intended for victims of the 2017 Marawi crisis, aims to continue providing much-needed support for recovery and rehabilitation.

It is mandated by Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victim’s Compensation Act of 2022.

The compensation covers claims for both fully and partially damaged structures including for lives lost during the conflict.

Pangandaman approved the Special Allotment Release Order for the funding on Tuesday and would be sourced from the 2024 budget.