P900k released for 2017 ops vs. Abu Sayyaf in Inabanga sans documents

The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the release of P935,316.59 in public funds where Inabanga, Bohol Mayor Josephine Jumamoy benefited for the use of her drone during military operations against the Abu Sayyaf in April last year.

The COA said the funds were released even without supporting documents and the signature of Jumamoy in the disbursement vouchers (DV), thereby “casting doubt on the legality and propriety of the transactions.”

COA figures showed Jumamoy received P128,625 as reimbursement for the use of a drone camera with accessories.

The municipal government, for its part, said it had to use the drone given the urgency of the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

“Time in procuring the equipment is of the essence due to the hot pursuit operation of the military in pursuing the Abu Sayaff Group and the use of drone is very important to enhance security and safety,” the Inabanga government told COA.

Five military officials were also named as payees for P300,000 worth of “financial assistance to the Philippine Army.”

However, the COA said the only supporting document on the disbursement was a certification from Jumamoy affirming the ongoing operations. It also had no formal request and acknowledgement receipt from the military.

The COA said the remaining amount represent expenses for funeral services, which includes embalming and the purchase of two caskets, and the food supply of military and police personnel.

It said the funeral services were purchased through lump sum which makes the transaction difficult to assess, while it was not clear if law enforcers received the food due to lack of a beneficiary list attached in the DVs.

Inabanga management said the funeral services cost higher due to the advance decomposition stage of six casualties in the encounter betweem the military and Abu Sayyaf members.

It also said food assistance is essential to ensure a boost in morale for those in pursuit of the bandits, but noted the municipal accountant was on official travel during this time and had to relegate her duties to other staff.

The COA urged all concerned officials to submit all supporting documents to avoid suspension or possible disallowance and called on the municipal accountant to explain why she failed to certify the DVs.

“We recommend that all concerned officials and employees submit the required supporting documents to avoid suspension or possible disallowance in audit. Further, we recommend that the Municipal Accountant submit valid explanation on her failure to certify the DVs,” COA said.

Government forces launched an operation in a remote village of Napo in Inabanga after an intelligence report bared that 11 Abu Sayyaf members, on board three speedboats, were spotted along a river in April 2017.

Military officials said the Abu Sayyaf members arrived in Inabanga with the help of some local residents.

Three soldiers and one policeman were killed in the encounter, while at least six Abu Sayyaf members were killed. —KBK, GMA News