I just want to share my thoughts on the article published on July 2, 2019, “AFP called out for measly assistance to Marawi troops.” I am one of those who donated for the troops in Marawi and I truly admired their heroism. Upon reading this article, I am a bit shocked because I was informed that the donations will be distributed based on the preference of the donors and NOT the Armed Forces.
I was also informed that the 71 percent of the total donations will go to Philippine Army; 20 percent to the Philippine Navy; and 0.17 percent to the Philippine Air Force; 0.55 percent to the Western Mindanao Command; and 0.17 percent to the AFP Medical Center. The General Headquarters (GHQ) received only 9 percent of the total amount.
This data was presented to us, donors, because the AFP wants to be transparent. And I believe the report in PhilStar was erroneous. The amount you write which is 23.14 million referred as the only amount distributed to the casualties was wrong. The said amount pertains only to the released solely by the GHQ for distribution to Marawi casualties.
Further, the amount remitted to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) was only P8,653 and not P8.653 million as reported in the article. The outstanding balance of P97,300 will also be transmitted to Btr.
I understand that PhilStar would like to police those people in the government whom are involved in anomalies and corruption. For me, that is good. But then again, I believe the COA report was taken out of context.
I am confident that the donations I gave for the soldiers will truly reach the intended beneficiaries. – MARY JANE ALMAZAN-DY, Binondo Manila