THE government spent an estimated P4 billion in the five-month battle against the Maute Group in Marawi City, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said yesterday.
Lorenzana said at the sidelines of the defense department’s 78th founding anniversary: “I don’t have figures now but last time, I think (total expenses) is close to P4 billion.”
The sum includes expenditures in ammunition, fuel, food, medicines and other combat necessities of the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Fighting in Marawi City started when government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and Isis emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, in May 23.
The crisis was declared over in Oct. 23 following the death of Hapilon and Omar Maute, one of the founders of the terror group.
The fightings killed an estimated 923 suspected terrorists and their allies, including three stragglers last week, and 165 government troops aside from costing billions in infrastructure damage. (pna)
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