MANILA (THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER) - The Chinese government has donated 15 million pesos (S$411,750) to the Philippines for the relief operations and rehabilitation of the strife-torn Marawi City, the Philippines presidential palace said.

The donation was given to President Rodrigo Duterte by Chinese Amabassador Zhao Jinhua. The turnover was also witnessed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

In a statement, the palace said the donation "will significantly augment the resources of the Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development" for health and welfare operations in Marawi and other areas.

It said 264,000 displaced individuals had sought refuge in areas outside of Marawi City since the fighting in the Islamic City broke out on May 23.

"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," the statement said.

Earlier, the palace announced Beijing would turn over "urgent" military assistance to the government on Wednesday.