US to release $2-M aid only if killings solved
Angelo S. Samonte
Manila Times
The United States will not release an additional $2-million military assistance to the Philippine government if political killings in the country remain unresolved.
The US Secretary of State also required the Philippine government to report the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial and summary executions, as well as the promotion of professionalism among military personnel.
The government must ensure that the military is not engaging in acts of intimidation or violence against members of legal organizations who advocate for human rights, the state department added.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said that these are among the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston, but claimed many have already been adopted by the Philippine government and are already part of its policy.
The government-established Melo Commission and Alston, who investigated the abuses, both acknowledged that rogue elements, and not the entire Philippine military and police establishments are involved on those incidents.
“The Philippine government’s resolve to defeat this scourge is clear: 76 cases are on trial; 33 cases are being prepared for prosecution; and six persons including men in uniform, have been convicted,” Romulo said.
Romulo expressed the appreciation of the Philippine government to the US government for the increased funding assistance that “further reinforces the already strong partnership” between the two governments.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our friends in the US Congress to provide increased resources with which we can help secure our nation and build stronger foundations for growth and progress for our people,” Romulo said.
The US Senate increased the Foreign Military Funding (FMF) for the Philippines by almost three fold from the $11 million earlier proposed by the Executive Department to $30 million.
The US Senate is also set to provide an additional $2-million contingent outlay, over and above the $30 million FMF as long as the US government’s conditions are met.
Besides this, the American legislators also increased the Economic Support Fund (ESF) from $26 million to $30 million and urged the Executive Branch to request for more once there is a peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“This is funding that has been central to uprooting terrorism by bringing in basic infrastructure, healthcare and education to affected areas. This is funding that has allowed our partnership with the United States to break new ground in making our country and our region safer from the threat of terror. This is funding that has saved lives and that has brought renewed hopes of lasting peace and meaningful progress to thousands,” Romulo said.
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