RP contingent in Iraq to stay despite attacks

Despite threats to their lives, the 96 Filipino troops and medical workers in Iraq will stay until August next year and extend their six-month tour of duty.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said "national interest" requires the Philippines to help the Iraqi people rebuild their country.

"During the meeting of the task force (Monday), we reaffirmed the policy of the presence of our humanitarian contingent in Iraq and made plans for another six-month cycle," he said.

Ople said continued rebel attacks against the US-led coalition forces will not deter the Philippines from "remaining committed" to the Iraqi people.

"We will not allow terrorists to defeat us, we will stay with the people of Iraq," he said.

"The task force was sufficiently impressed with the dedication and commitment shown by contingent members."

The Filipino contingent "have made a difference" to the people of Iraq, he added.

On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Pedro Ramboanga, Philippine contingent commander, said the Filipinos have remained vigilant and do not take unnecessary risks, and that they have not experienced any difficulty in performing their mission.

"There are no specific threats to us," he said. "The Iraqi people even welcome us to their homes. I am confident in the professionalism and experience of our contingent members. They know how to take care of themselves and take every precaution to ensure their safety."

The Philippine contingent has been helping the US-led coalition provide basic services to people in South Central Iraq and training to the Iraqi police force, he added.

It is expected that the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority will turn over the reins to a new Iraqi government next August.

Meanwhile, special envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu said officials of the Armed Forces, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Health and the Department of Social Services and Development are planning to visit the Philippine contingent in Iraq before Christmas.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Narciso Abaya will go to Iraq "to play Santa" to the troops, he added.

Cimatu said he will also visit Iraq after going to Bahrain and Kuwait as part of preparations for Mrs. Arroyo’s state visit to Bahrain.

"I plan to be in Bahrain, then Kuwait, then Iraq next week," he said. "I will visit the troops, find out their problems, inspire them, and remind them to be vigilant."

Cimatu denied reports that members of the Philippine contingent want to return home because of concerns for their safety.

"The Philippine contingent is going to the villages, surveying what the Iraqi people need," he said. "It is their job to report this to the coalition to bring up the standard of living of the Iraqis."

Once the United Nations stops shouldering the allowance of the Philippine contingent, they will ask the concerned agencies to subsidize its financial needs, he added.

The contingent will be increased to 178 and later to 500. — Marvin Sy