Australia provides nearly P800 million for Marawi

Australia on Tuesday announced that it is providing A$20 million or nearly P800 million worth of assistance for the conflict-torn city of Marawi over the next four years.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who attended a regional security forum in Manila this week, said the aid will support “recovery and long-term peace and stability in the southern Philippines.”

It is intended to “ease civilian suffering” caused by the siege and “contribute to peace-building in the area,” Bishop said in a statement.

The assistance is in addition to the emergency food and other supplies valued at A$920,000 given by the Australian government on June 20.

Most of the more than 360,000 residents abandoned Marawi and fled to evacuation centers or temporarily lived in with relatives in nearby municipalities after militants, mainly belonging to the so-called Maute and Abu Sayyaf armed group laid siege in the Islamic city last May 23 by occupying buildings and houses in several barangays east of Agus River, which cuts through the city.

The ongoing conflict in Marawi and its impact on civilians in the region were among the issues discussed by Bishop with President Rodrigo Duterte during their meeting on Monday.

Australia’s support, Bishop said, is expected to meet the urgent needs of these displaced people, including child protection and counseling services.

It also aims to fund small-scale infrastructure projects for communities around Marawi including provision of clean drinking water and repair of local roads.

In addition, Australia said it wants to assist community peace-building efforts and strengthen local capacity to resist and counter extremism.

“Australia remains committed to supporting the peace process and development in Muslim Mindanao, which are critical for a strong, stable Philippines, and our assistance will complement the existing programs and priorities of the Philippine government,” Bishop said.

“The Australian government continues to work with the Philippine Government to combat terrorism in the region.

Japan, on the other hand, said it will provide equipment and other assistance to support Manila's counterterrorism efforts.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono conveyed this in a meeting with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on the sidelines of the Asian regional forum on Monday.

The aid is on top of the P100 million aid that Japan offered to help those displaced by the ongoing disturbance in Marawi.

"We are happy to step up our assistance to the Philippines," Kono said. —KG, GMA News