Martial Law Victims Abroad Can Now File Claims

In an effort to reach every victim of gross human rights violations during the Marcos regime, the Philippine Government and the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) is now accepting applications from human rights violations victims (HRVV) living and/or working abroad.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informed the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on November 4 that the DFA and HRVCB signed on November 03 a Memorandum of Agreement on the provision of assistance to legitimate applicants abroad.

Claimants can start filing even without travelling back to the Philippines. A properly filled-out application form, sworn statement/affidavits, and other supporting documents must be scanned in JPEG or PDF format and sent through email address, overseas@hrvclaimsboard.gov.ph, for pre-evaluation. HRVCB’s paralegals will immediately check these documents for completeness and advise claimants accordingly via email. According to HRVCB, applicants cannot file directly in any Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

The application process and documentary requirements may be found at the website of the HRVCB, www.hrvclaimsboard.gov.ph.

HRVCB informs applicants that sworn statements/affidavits and special powers of attorney that have not been notarized may be scanned and sent by email to HRVCB for pre-evaluation. These documents must subsequently be notarized and certified/attested as true copies of original at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, which involves the payment of a US$25 processing fee.

Claims must be filed by November 10. Currently pending in Philippine Congress is the extension for another six months of the deadline to file claims.

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph, PCOO

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