SULU (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 2, 2014) – The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board praised Sulu Governor Totoh Tan for his huge support during its recent visit in the southern province.
The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board headed by retired police general Lina Sarmiento conducted three days of “claims intake” or documentation of claims of victims of human rights during the Marcos regime in Sulu.
“As Chair of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board created by RA 10368 to recognize and provide reparation to victims and heroes of Martial Law, I would like to express deep appreciation and thanksgiving for your all-out support to the members of our staff team, our partners in the Regional Human Rights Commission, volunteers from civil society organizations and security personnel from the Philippine National Police during the Claims Intake in Sulu.”
“We thank you for the free use of the Sumadja Hall, the gymnasium, the graciousness of your staff in the Sulu Area Coordinating Center and the overflowing hospitality during the claims process. It was also a delight to meet with you in your office and to listen to the development of Sulu under your energetic leadership. It is very inspiring to hear your stories. We pray for the success of your plans and for peace and security in the two districts of Sulu,” Sarmiento said in a letter she wrote to the Governor.
Governor Tan said the provincial government is all-out in its support to the efforts of the Aquino government to give justice to victims of human rights during the Marcos regime.
He the provincial government, even during the time of then Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, has been actively advocating and protecting human rights and has set up a human rights desk – in coordination with the Commission of Human Rights – to ensure the rights and welfare of civilians in Sulu.
The application for claims started on May 12 this year and will run until November 10. Failure of victims to file claims during the 6-month period – as provided by Republic Act 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 – will be considered a waiver. The filing of application claims is also free of charge.
Sarmiento has urged all victims of Martial Law to apply in person, including those conclusively presumed as human rights violations victims so the Claims Board will be able to determine appropriate awards, as provided by RA 10368.
RA 10368 recognized as conclusively presumed human rights violations victims the class suit and direct action plaintiffs of cases filed in Honolulu and other US courts against President Ferdinand Marcos, and those recognized by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani. The Claims Board said it can render “motu proprio” recognition to some victims of Martial Law through judicial notice.
The RA 10368 recognizes and provides reparations to those who suffered and sacrificed during Martial Law covering the period from September 21, 1972 to February 25, 1986. The names of the victims will also be enshrined in the Roll of Human Rights Violations Victims that will be turned over to the Human Rights Violations Victims Memorial Commission. (Mindanao Examiner)
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