China donates 300,000 USD to rebuild war-torn Philippine city

World
Europe

China has donated 15 million Philippine pesos (about 300,000 US dollars) to the relief operations in Marawi, the southern Philippine city plagued by clashes between government troops and the ISIL-linked Maute group, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines announced on Tuesday.

Zhao Jianhua, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, has presented the check to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Zhao Jianhua, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines. /Phhua.com Photo

"The donation will significantly augment the resources of the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development – two government arms currently spearheading various health and welfare operations in Marawi including medical consultations, evacuation and logistical support," a statement from the Philippine presidential palace said.

It added, "The said donation from China to the Philippines is an example of the flourishing partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment towards sustainable peace in the region."

Evacuated residents gather at an evacuation center in Iligan, while government forces fight insurgents from the Maute group in Marawi, Philippines, June 26, 2017. /VCG Photo‍

In a speech at the Malacanang presidential palace to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, Duterte vowed to rebuild the city devastated by the conflict which has been raging for 37 days.

"I will see to it that Marawi will rise as a prosperous city again," Duterte said.

He also assured the people of Marawi and the people affected by the violence and conflict in Mindanao that the government is committed to "securing just and lasting peace on the island," adding "the military and police remain hard at work to ending the crisis with dispatch, especially in Marawi."

Duterte added, "The amount of 20 billion pesos (397.5 million US dollars) has already been allocated to ensure that this happens."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines are conducting clearing operations to drive away the militants.

The government said that 82,767 families of 403,052 people from Marawi and the nearby areas have been displaced in the ongoing war.

(Source: Xinhua)