Philippine troops confused over Iraq pull-out

The Philippine Army was awaiting word on Tuesday on whether it would withdraw from Iraq earlier than scheduled amid confusion over Manila&#1...

The Philippine Army was awaiting word on Tuesday on whether it would withdraw from Iraq earlier than scheduled amid confusion over Manila’s response to militants threatening to behead a hostage if its troops did not pull out.

Foreign Ministry officials held an emergency meeting in Manila after the Arabic Al Jazeera television station showed Deputy Foreign Minister Rafael Seguis offering to withdraw Philippine forces ‘‘as soon as possible’’ to save hostage Angelo De La Cruz. But an Army spokesman said there was no official order to withdraw and the family of De La Cruz was sceptical after a series of misleading government statements since the crisis began with the 46-year-old truck driver’s abduction last week.

‘‘We have not had an order from any office regarding the pull-out,’’ Army spokesman Daniel Lucero said. ‘‘We are prepared to implement our withdrawal plan.’’

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A senior Army officer said it was possible to pullout the small Philippine contingent within three days, in line with the militants’ demands for a withdrawal by July 20, but that it would require logistical assistance from the US.

In his statement, Seguis gave no date for a withdrawal and senior officials declined to comment before an expected briefing in Manila by Foreign Secretary Delia Albert.

Meanwhile, Philippine Foreign Secretary Delia Albert backed a statement by her deputy that Manila would pull its troops out of Iraq ‘‘as soon as possible’’ but did not give any further clarification on the timing. ‘‘When Deputy Foreign Minister Rafael Seguis spoke this morning during his interview with Al Jazeera, he spoke with full authority of the Philippine government,’’ Albert said. — (Reuters)

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