MANILA, Aug. 11 — As fighting in Marawi City reached its 81st day, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana estimated that the government has spent close to PHP2.5 billion in its ongoing efforts to neutralize the Maute Group terrorists who took control and ravaged parts of the locality since May 23.
Of the PHP2.5 billion, PHP1.3 billion alone was spent by the Army, he added.
Lorenzana said that he would still find out the amount spent by Air Force and the Marines units deployed there and those used for the acquisition of fighting equipment like bullet-proof vests, helmets, night-vision goggles and assorted munition.
Also, the DND chief expressed hopes that Congress would replenish the expenditures as these were pulled out from ongoing projects. (PNA)