Text and video by LUZ RIMBAN
VICTIMS of human rights abuses during the martial law years are rushing to beat the Nov. 10 deadline set by law for them to file claims against the government of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Victims and their relatives or survivors crowded the premises of the Virata Hall at the University of the Philippines in Diliman where the Human Rights Violations Victims Claims Board holds office and accepts applications for claims.
The board also has desks located at regional offices of the Commission in Human Rights where claims could be filed.
As of Nov. 5, the Board has accepted close to 40,000 claims for reparation and recognition. Republic Act 10368 opened the doors for human rights violations victims (HRVVs) to seek monetary or non-monetary compensation for abuses government forces and entities committed during the dark years of Martial Law.
At the offices of the Commission on Human Rights in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, HRVVs were given until last Friday, Nov. 7 to file their claims.
The CHR-ARMM was deluged with claimants last week, many saying they or their relatives suffered from military atrocities when the Marcos government declared war against the Muslim rebellion in the early 1970s.
ARMM officials said the claims have to be validated with documents and eyewitness accounts and expressed fears that many are filing false claims. The officials warned that perjury charges will be filed against those making false claims.
Meantime the Board has announced that claimants who will be unable to file claims on Nov. 10 will still have a chance to do so later. The House of Representatives has approved a Joint Resolution extending the filing period. The Senate is expected to do likewise when Congress resumes session on Nov. 17.
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