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Government pours money into military to tackle Mindanao problem
Philippine Congress has increased the 2009 budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines military budget to 1.642 billion pesos (Dh140 million), following complaints from military commanders that the cost of war against a major Muslim rebel group in the south has become very expensive.
- By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:55 October 23, 2008
Manila: Philippine Congress has increased the 2009 budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines military budget to 1.642 billion pesos (Dh140 million), following complaints from military commanders that the cost of war against a major Muslim rebel group in the south has become very expensive.
"The war in Mindanao has become very expensive. It can put more strain on the country's economy," said Lieutenant General Cardozo Luna, commander for a two-month long pursuit of renegade Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders who attacked 20 civilian villages in Mindanao since early August.
Military offensive against the three MILF commanders has strained the budget of the Philippine Army, Luna said, adding he has already spent 600 million pesos for fuel and ammunition since the renewal of clashes in the south last August, said Luna.
Rising cost of food and fuel, the weakening of the peso, and inflation have added to the cost of war in the south, Luna explained.
The ongoing pursuit against three renegade MILF commanders represents 35 to 40 per cent of the entire MILF, said Luna, adding if there is a total war against the MILF in the south, Congress will have to double the 2009 budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Intense clashes in the south began after the Supreme Court prevented the government and the MILF from signing a land deal and rebel-control in Mindanao.
It was in response to the complaint of Christian local government leaders who did not want the political negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF to push through.
As a result, three renegade MILF commanders attacked 20 civilian villages, killing 60 civilians and displacing more than half a million residents there. About 100,000 of them are being funded by the government in 157 evacuation centres.
President Gloria Arroyo posted more than 7,000 soldiers in the south, prompting observers to say that she has technically suspended peace talks.
- With inputs from Rafael Juan, Correspondent
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