R.P. agrees to pull out troops in Iraq (Philippine military leaving Iraq)

[psychopomp]

ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
R.P. agrees to pull out troops in Iraq

By ESTRELLA TORRES
TODAY Reporter

The 51-man Philippine humanitarian contingent in Iraq will be pulled out of Iraq in a last-ditch effort to save the life of Filipino truck driver Angelo de la Cruz, who is threatened with a beheading by the Iraqi Islamic Army-Khaled bin Al-Waleed Corps.

This was announced by Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Albert, who also confirmed in a one-page statement an earlier statement by Foreign Undersecretary Rafael Seguis on the Al-Jazeera Arab television network that the Philippines will soon pull out of Iraq. Seguis “spoke with foreknowledge and full authority of the Philippine government.”

When asked by an Al-Jazeera newscaster when the pullout would be, Seguis had said it would come according to his government’s commitments.

It appeared the statement may have been deliberately ambiguous in a bid to save de la Cruz."
/more

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Seems a surpring move on the part of a close U.S. ally. They are risking a lot of $$$ by countering the */Cheney policy in Iraq.
< http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?section=National&OID=55136 >
edit: title for clarity

[lovedems]

1. I heard a snip of idiot Wolf

asking a CNN correspondent why the Phillipines would withdraw early to appease the terrorists?

AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH! Dumbass! If they can save a guy from a horrific death by leaving 3-4 weeks early, they would be stupid not to do that! I guess the life of a measly truck driver isn't as important as staying 3-4 more weeks.

This is the kind of crap that pisses me off. If that is considered journalism, screw it. My kids could do a better job at anchoring CNN then Wolf. They at least would have asked, "Why are we going to war?"

[psychopomp]

2. It's unusual to see a government

putting it's national reputation on the line to save a single life, even in the face of potentially damaging economic and political fallout.

[Roy]

3. preventing the death

of it's citizens in favor of an additional 45 days in a folly. I would think enhances their national reputation.

Saving a single life a mere trifle, Wellll.... unless it's your own or your loved one.

If someone sacrificed the life of one of my family in a meek attempt to save face in a folly such as this, there would be one more terrorist the government would have to deal with. ME!!!!!!

And I can be both lethal and deadly in a push.

[Upfront]

4. Breath Taking

Here is a goverment with brains! I hope they save there man. Get the hellout people!

[Bandit]

5. BRAVO ~~ a country that actually cares for it's citizens

God I hope it saves this man's life. Remember there is a time and a place for everything. A time for bravado and a time for compassion. A human life is not to be taken lightly.

[jab105]

6. Guys, it is bad to give into terrorist demands...

no matter how you justify it, it is a bad thing to do...a dangerous precedent!

[psychopomp]

7. Any DU'ers in the Philippines?

Can anybody provide more insight into the situation?

Another article:

ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 2:03 AM
National

PAF prepares for troop pull-out from Iraq

Preparations for the pull-out of troops from Iraq are underway even as the Philippine Air Force (PAF) awaits final word from their commander-in-chief Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Restituto Padilla said two C-130 planes are being readied at Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu to airlift the 51-man Philippine peacekeeping contingent back to the country.

He said the planes, which have 80-100 seating capacity can accommodate the troops and possibly, Angelo de la Cruz when he is freed by his Iraqi captors. Five to six pilots and 15 aircrew will man the flight to Iraq.

Padilla said it will take at least a day for the PAF to secure permits from Thailand, India, Pakistan, Kuwait and Iraq to use the countries' airspace.

It will take 18 hours with one stopover for refuelling for the flights to reach Iraq, Padilla said.
/snip

< http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/FlashNewsStory.aspx?FlashOID=18586 >