Martial law victims urged to file claims

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) reminded human rights victims under former President Ferdinand Marcos' martial law to apply and submit documents for compensation.

CHR chairperson Loretta Ann "Etta" Rosales said in a state news interview that martial law claimants may be entitled to recognition and compensation under Republic Act 10368 providing for reparation and recognition of rights violations during the Marcos regime.

The Human Rights Claims Board is tasked to receive and approve claims within the six-month filing period from May 12 to November 10 this year.

"Once the six months period is over, the acceptance and processing of claims will be closed," Rosales said.

The claims board in Manila and satellite teams set to be deployed around the country can receive the documents.

Rosales explained that application can be done by the human rights victims themselves, their legal heirs or their representatives.

Rosales said that some victims are also deceased, incapacitated or missing due to enforced disappearance, but their legal heirs and legal representatives may still avail of the benefits.

The official, meanwhile, warned that there could be fake claimants, which the claims board will identify through a "point system" and evaluation.

Once the processing period is over, the official list of the qualified claimants will be published in at least two major newspapers of general circulation, Rosales said.

Republic Act 10368 was signed by President Benigno Aquino III on February 25, 2013. A year after signing, Aquino named the new quasi-judicial body's chairperson and nine members of the claims board attached to the CHR.

The CHR, however, does not oversee the board's operations. - Camille Diola