DND seeks more funds to replenish military supplies used in Marawi—Budget chief

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno NESTOR CORRALES / INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

The Department of National Defense (DND) is seeking additional funds for military equipment as the fighting in Marawi City had nearly depleted the supplies of government forces, Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said Wednesday.

Asked during a press conference how much money were disbursed so far to finance the military offensive against ISIS supporters, Diokno replied “they’re OK,” although troops have “requested for replenishment.”
READ: DND chief: Estimated cost of Marawi war is P3B and counting

“They’re almost depleted,” Diokno said of the troops’ supplies.

“We did not expect there will be fighting in Marawi,” the Budget chief added.

Diokno declined to say how much was requested by the military, but he noted that weapons are expensive. “Mahal ang mga bomba nila (Their bombs are very expensive).”

Diokno said they can source additional funding for the military from the contingency fund under the 2017 national budget.

This year’s contingency fund amounted P6 billion, he said.

Diokno said he already received the military’s request, such that he can approve the release of fresh funds in just one or two days. JPV