DND seeks to replenish funds on Marawi clash

FILE PHOTO: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is hoping they could replenish the funds expended on the ongoing operations to clear Marawi City of remnants of the Maute Group. (Photo By Department of Defense (Philippines), CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is hoping they could replenish the funds expended on the ongoing operations to clear Marawi City of remnants of the Maute Group.

Lorenzana said that as of Thursday, his department has already spent PHP3.5 billion for ammunition, bombs, fuel, food, and medicines used by the services in the armed conflict.

The amount, he said, also includes benefits given to wounded troops and the next-of-kin of those killed in the fighting.

The defense chief noted that the PHP3.5 billion came from their current funds as they have not sought funding for the ongoing conflict in Marawi City, which began last May 23 following an attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader, Isnilon Hapilon, and his cohorts.

“We did not ask for any additional budget. We just used our current funds to advance towards the end of the year. But somewhere along the way, we will have to ask the government, Malacañang, to replenish that, so as not to affect the operations of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he said.