Duterte signs law compensating Marawi Siege victims

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte signs into law a measure seeking to compensate victims of the Marawi Siege, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said Wednesday.

READ: Marawi compensation bill awaits Duterte signature

“Pinirmahan din po ni Pangulong Duterte ang Republic Act No. 11696 na nagbibigay compensation sa pagkawala at pagkawasak ng mga ari-arian, at pagkawala ng mga buhay sa 2017 Marawi Siege,” Andanar said in a Palace press briefing.

(President Duterte has signed Republic Act 11696 which gives compensation to those who lost their property and those who lost lives in the 2017 Marawi Siege.)

“Ayon sa batas na ito, bubuo ng isang independent at quasi-judicial body na tatawaging Marawi Compensation Board na pamumunuan ng isang chairman at walong mga miyembro na i-a-appoint ng pangulo,” he added.

(According to this law, an independent and quasi-judicial body called Marawi Compensation Board will be created and will have a chairman and eight members which will be appointed by the President.)

Any owner of a residential, cultural, and commercial structures among other properties in Marawi’s main affected areas or other affected areas qualified under the measure will receive a tax-free compensation from the State.

The government, meanwhile, will “compensate owners of private properties demolished pursuant to the implementation of the Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Program,” subject to rules.

READ: 4 years after siege, Marawi folk, leaders urge gov’t to prioritize reconstruction

In 2017, a five-month armed conflict between government security forces and terrorist groups took place in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, leaving 168 soldiers and police officers, over 900 militants, and scores of civilians dead.

READ: Last 30 terrorists in Marawi holed up in building

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