MANILA, Philippines — While the alleged diversion of peacekeeping funds intended for Filipino troops sent to East Timor is a national matter, the United Nations (UN) said Tuesday that they “will assist if requested” by the Philippine government.

As of February 12, however, the UN revealed that they have not received inquiries or complaints at this stage from any specific Philippine contingent regarding the issue.

In a statement, the UN also indicated that all payments covering expenses related to peacekeeping operations, including those meant for Filipino troops, are made in accordance with standard procedures which include depositing the said funds into a bank account given to the UN by the relevant Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TCCs and PCCs).

Malacañang welcomed the assistance being offered by the United Nations (UN) to shed light on the corruption allegations in the military, particularly on the alleged misuse of UN peacekeeping funds in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). (Roy Mabasa and Madel Sabater)