Air Force spent P1.4 billion during Marawi siege
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) spent more than P1.491 billion to help crush Maute militants in Marawi, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).
Data released by the audit body showed that the money was spent for the procurement of ammunition and aircraft requirements as well as supplies during the five-month operation.
In its 2018 report released last week, the COA said there were no significant findings in the utilization of Marawi funds.
The audit team recognized the role of the PAF to provide air support in the fight against Maute militants, with the Department of Budget and Management issuing Special Allotment Release Orders amounting to P2.038 billion in 2017 and 2018.
“An additional interagency fund was received from the Philippine Army to be utilized for payment of incentives to two female PAF personnel deployed during the encounter in Marawi,” the COA report said.
Of the P2.038 billion allocation, only P1.491 billion was utilized as of Dec. 31. The remaining amount is expected to be spent this year.
The fighting in Marawi left 168 soldiers dead and 1,548 others wounded.
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