(File photo) MANILA - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed a law that aims to provide monetary aid to victims of the 2017 Marawi siege. Republic Act No. (RA) 11696, signed by Duterte on April 13 and was released to reporters on Wednesday, provides for the creation of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) headed by a chairperson and eight members. At least three members of the board must be members of the Philippine Bar, preferably Maranao lawyers, who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least five years; two representatives must be members of civil society organizations where at least one of whom is either a Sharia lawyer or a Muslim traditional leader; other members must be licensed physician; certified public accountant; educator; and licensed civil engineer. Under the law, the MCB will facilitate the tax-free payment of reparations to "qualified claimants" who lost residential and commercial properties due to the Marawi siege. "Any person who is a lawful