Marawi, Philippines – Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, chairperson of the Marawi Compensation Board, is overseeing the long-awaited compensation process for residents of Marawi, which was destroyed during a battle with ISIL-linked fighters in 2017. The city was left in ruins, and promises of rebuilding had gone unfulfilled until now.
With over 14,000 claims received, the board has approved 596 claims so far, totaling about $16.8m for destroyed structures and civilian deaths. The process aims to provide fair compensation to those affected by the conflict, despite ongoing challenges in building trust with the residents.
While some residents like Faisah Dima-Ampao have received compensation and are hopeful about the process, the city of Marawi remains largely in ruins. The funds allocated for rebuilding were used for public infrastructure projects, such as sports stadiums and convention centers, instead of new homes for residents.
Many residents feel that the priorities of the government are misplaced, as they struggle to rebuild their lives and livelihoods in a city left devastated by the conflict. Even as some residents begin to return, the future of Marawi remains uncertain.
Despite the challenges, Dandamun-Latiph and the Compensation Board are committed to providing much-needed relief to the residents of Marawi. However, the road to recovery and rebuilding the city remains long and uncertain, with many residents feeling disillusioned with the authorities and the slow progress of reconstruction efforts.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com