Armed Forces won't get additional funds for Mindanao war, solonsays

The Armed Forces won't get additional money from Congress for its campaign in Mindanao, House Majority Leader Eduardo Gullas said yesterday.

He said if the military needs more funds for its campaign against Muslim secessionists and extremists, the defense department can source the money from its P53.6-billion budget for this year.

It can also avail itself of its P9.35-billion share from the sale of a portion of Fort Bonifacio and the unexpended balance of its 1998 budget, Gullas said.

Although defense and military leaders did not categorically ask for additional funds when they briefed congressmen on the Mindanao situation last Wednesday, they mentioned some amounts which they said they would soon need.

Their priority is the recruitment of an additional 30,000 Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members, which will require an appropriation of P800 million.

Gullas suggested that the military include the amount it needs in its budget proposal for next year.

He said it would be difficult for the Armed Forces to seek additional funds at this time as this would require a supplemental budget, which would be dependent on a certification from the National Treasurer on the availability of funds.

Since the government is still facing a budget deficit, Gullas doubted whether the treasury would issue such certification.

Another administration congressman, Rep. Ralph Recto of Batangas, said the government should not cut appropriations for health and education in raising money for its war efforts in Mindanao.

"If we do that, it will make all Filipinos casualties of the ongoing police action in the South," he said.

He said the 2000 budget is a tight outlay as it was already pared to the bones because of a projected P62.5 billion deficit.

"If we cut more, the result is that some public services will have to take a vacation for the rest of the year," he added.

Recto suggested that the government should pursue peace negotiations with Muslim secessionists.

"Because war is a costly proposition, this underscores the superiority of peace talks in settling a political conflict," he said.

As for Abu Sayyaf bandits, the government should annihilate them, he said. -- Jess Diaz