Source: http://www.zambotimes.com  March 24, 2011

DAVAO CITY — Only 81 of 645 human rights victims during Martial Law in the Davao Region received payments on Monday as compensation for abuses suffered under the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional director Alberto Sipaco Jr. said each human rights victims received the check amounting to 1,000 dollars or equivalent to P43,500 distributed at the Davao City Recreation Center (formerly Almendras Gym) here.

Sipaco said among those who received the compensation were Regional Prosecutor Antonio B. Arellano, who was also a victim since he was illegally arrested with lawyer Larry Ilagan and lawyer Mark Risonar during the Marcos administration

Arellano said it was mixed feelings when he received the check as the right of the victims were finally recognized.

Preciousa Acojido, 78 years old and resident in this city, failed to claim the compensation as the check was still named under her deceased son, Carlos Acojido, who died in 1989.

Fe Salino, secretary-general of the Samahan ng mga Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon para sa Amnestiya (SELDA) said that as of Tuesday morning, hundreds of victims flocked in this city complaining that they have been de-listed.

She said they are still gathering the complaints of some victims as they await the arrival of Robert Swift on Friday to settle the problem. Swift is the lead counsel of the class suit. (PNA)

Related Articles

• Philippines: Marcos’ victims to get compensation (sfgate.com)
• Philippines: Marcos’ victims to get compensation (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Martial law victims get $1,000 checks (inquirer.net)
• Martial Law victims claim indemnification (www.pia.gov.ph)