(Eagle News) – The European Union said it was giving P48 million (850,000 euros) of financial aid to help the thousands of civilians displaced by the ongoing fight in Marawi.
The financial assistance–coursed through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)– will be used to provide for the necessities, including food, water, and health care, of over 50,000 people.
“This grant from the EU will support the delivery of immediate life-saving assistance to those most in need, and contribute to increased protection of populations affected by the conflict,” Pedro-Luis Rojo, head of the East, South East Asia and Pacific Regional Office for ECHO, said.
Thousands have been displaced from their homes in Marawi, where government security forces have been fighting Islamic State-inspired militants who attempted to carve out a province for the international terrorist group since May 23.
President Duterte declared martial law across Mindanao to help quell the rebellion.