THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday started providing free legal assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other victims of the 2017 Marawi siege still struggling to claims compensation.
The DOJ stressed that claims by qualified IDPs and other victims were mandated under Republic Act No. 11696, a 2022 law that provides compensation for loss or destruction of property, and death during the five-month conflict between government troops and militant groups in Marawi City.
Reports stated the more than 300 persons died and billions of pesos worth of property were destroyed during the siege.
The month-long caravan for justice in Marawi City was spearheaded by the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has directed Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez to supervise the July 3 caravan which will conclude a deadline for the filing of claims under RA 11696.
The movement, dubbed “Katarungan Caravan,” is being conducted in line with Department Order (DO) No. 324, series of 2024 issued by Remulla.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will provide clearances to speed up the claims processing.
“I entrust the welfare of our brothers and sisters of the Marawi Siege and the IDPs to our dedicated fellow public servants from DOJAC, PAO, NBI, PNP and to our volunteer private lawyers, take swift and decisive actions over their concerns and claims, ensure that no one will be left out,” Remulla said in a statement.
“As underscored by the famous political slogan of former President Ramon Magsaysay – ‘Those who have less in life should have more in law,’” the DOJ chief stressed.
