US envoy Kim says American aid to PHL not conditional

The United States on Thursday signified its continuing commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the Philippines without any conditions even after President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is rejecting aid from countries or organizations critical of his bloody crackdown on illegal drugs.

“Our USAID program is not conditional,” US Ambassador Sung Kim said at a forum with foreign correspondents in Manila. “In fact, we have a long history of providing very significant foreign assistance to the Philippines.”

Although the US’ stance on human rights, rule of law and due process is consistent and remains unchanged, Kim said Washington is steadfast in its commitment to help the Philippines, especially in Marawi, which was recently liberated from IS-linked militants after a five-month siege.

Kim said the US is providing additional $15 million or about P730 million to support the Philippine government’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi, which was attacked by ISIS-linked militants last May and forced thousands to flee the city and seek shelter in evacuation centers.

“The work of rehabilitation is critically important,” he said, adding “we want to support the Philippine government as much as we can.”

Kim said the additional aid for Marawi will cover both emergency relief needs and medium-term and long-term recovery requirements.

“That’s just that start. I expect the US will provide additional assistance as the rehabilitation work continues,” he said.

Kim also said the US will continue providing assistance to the Philippine military to strengthen its capability, particularly in addressing security threats.

“We continue to provide very important assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in terms of training, equipment and sharing intelligence,” he said.

Duterte has repeatedly lambasted the EU for attaching conditions on its assistance, saying it is imposing human rights regulations in exchange for money.

Thousands of suspected drug users and traffickers were killed in the government’s anti-drug campaign since Duterte assumed the presidency in June 30 last year. Authorities said the casualties arise from suspects shooting it out with policemen or killings perpetrated by vigilante groups.

The EU, which has been vocal in criticizing Duterte’s bloody drug war, is one of the country’s top donors and a major trading partner.

Duterte’s policy is seen to affect several development programs, mainly in strife-torn Mindanao, where Europe has earmarked at least €250 million.

Kim said he can not comment on the way the EU administers its foreign assistance, but as for the US, only its provision of weapons to the country’s police force has been affected due to prevailing human rights concerns on the war on illegal drugs.

“We have been much more cautious in providing lethal weapons to the Philippine National police, elements that are directly involved in the anti-drug campaign,” he said.

Despite this, Kim said the US continues to provide significant assistance in other areas through its USAID program. — RSJ, GMA News