Dili, January 14, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Ministry for Veterans Affairs (MAKLN) held a press conference to provide information on fallen martyrs who died during the resistance struggle whose identities were previously unknown, covering the period from 1975 to 1999. These martyrs have been registered in the database system of the National Directorate for Pensions and Subsidies (DNPS), with a total of 797 individuals recorded. The press conference was held at the MAKLN Hall in Comoro.
The Minister for Veterans Affairs, Gil da Costa Monteiro, known as “Oan Soru,” stated that martyrs’ pensions will be received by their families, such as siblings or parents. When family members come forward to claim a martyr’s pension, they are required to present supporting documents to DNPS technical staff in order to finalize payment arrangements and later withdraw the funds from banks, amounting to ten thousand United States dollars (US$10,000).
“The allocation of US$10,000 for each martyr is based on Decree-Law No. 35/2025 of 15 October, concerning the ‘One-Time Financial Support for the Families of National Liberation Martyrs.’ To date, MAKLN has registered 797 individuals, but so far no family members have come forward to submit a claim to the CCLN and MAKLN confirming that a martyr with the listed identity is indeed their sibling or parent,” said the Minister for Veterans Affairs.
The Minister explained that although 797 fallen martyrs have been recorded and are eligible for the one-time financial benefit, none of the families have yet submitted formal claims. Once families come forward, MAKLN will proceed with the payment of their rightful pension entitlements.
“The data on this list remains active, and up to now no one has contested or protested the information, nor claimed that any individual listed is not a martyr. This is archived data, and the number recorded in the database is 797. Families who wish to receive a martyr’s pension must present the required documents to the technical team, as everyone must provide proof in accordance with the decree-law,” the Minister explained.
The Minister further emphasized that the requirement to present documentation is essential because during the ongoing process, some individuals have approached technical staff but were unable to provide basic information, such as their grandparents’ names, and were therefore asked to return later. Additional time was needed for verification and coordination, as Timor-Leste’s history requires collective effort to uncover and confirm accurate information.
He further explained that, in principle, siblings who come forward must bring valid and accurate documentation, as MAKLN already holds existing records. Once families submit the required documents and can clearly prove that they are legitimate siblings or parents of the martyrs, payments will be processed accordingly. The Minister expressed confidence that families are already preparing the necessary documentation and will soon come forward to claim the payments.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Media MAKLN