US allocates additional $6 million to support Marawi rehab

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte meets with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim in Malacañan Palace on September 20, 2017. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The United States (US) government is allocating an additional $6 million or P330 million to support the rehabilitation program for the war-damaged Marawi City that was attacked by ISIS-inspired Maute group in May 2017, US Ambassador Sung Kim announced on Tuesday.

“I am happy to announce today that we are allocating $6 million to help the most vulnerable population in Marawi. We’re talking about young children [and the] elderly,” Kim said in an interview over GMA News’ News To Go.

The aid will be an addition to the initial million pledged by the US government.

“We’re coming up with some programs that are really focused on their needs, such as vocational training, and other educational-related programs,” Kim said.

Kim said in a statement that the additional funds, which is given through United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will support some of the most vulnerable populations affected by the conflict.

“The United States is deeply committed to supporting our friend and ally in long-term recovery efforts to ensure a brighter and more peaceful future for the people of Mindanao,” he added.

When asked on United States’ possible greater military presence in the Philippines, Kim said, “I don’t want to make any wild predictions, I think what’s important is we are continuing a very strong alliance that is built on decades of trust and friendship.”

The US has earlier donated ammunition and weapons deliveries to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the enhancement of the AFP’s counter-terrorism capabilities, and to directly support AFP members actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations in the southern Philippines, including Marawi.