N. Luzon martial law victims file claims

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Over a thousand victims of human rights violations during the Marcos regime in the Ilocos region, Cordillera and Cagayan Valley trooped to this city on Tuesday to file their application for compensation.

Randy Felix Malayao, National Democratic Front peace panel consultant, said the claimants, who were organized by Karapatan and the Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights, are also seeking the extension of the program, as more martial law victims from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Nueva Vizcaya and Apayao are also expected to file their claims before the Human Rights Claims Board.

He said the applications of at least 850 victims have been validated in the past two days.