The rebel group was asked to liquidate the amount.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, who earlier in the day denied demanding an explanation from MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim on how the money was spent, revealed that the P5 million was a “commitment” of the previous Arroyo administration to which Secretary Ging Deles had also served as adviser for the peace process.
“This is an institution-building capacity measure, which we found worth pursuing,” Lacierda told radio station dzBB.
The spokesman said the money was for the establishment of a Bangsamoro Management and Leadership Institute (BMLI), where the Muslim rebel group plans to train future leaders.
Lacierda backtracked later when interviewed by radio station dzMM and said that the government wanted an accounting of the money.
“The government, through (chief government negotiator) Marvic Leonen, is asking for accountability. We will be expecting some report on the outcome of the P5 million, where it went,” he said.
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