RIYADH, 14 July 2004 — Various Filipino groups in the Kingdom began a campaign yesterday for the pullout of Filipino troops in Iraq to save the life of Saudi Arabia-based Filipino driver Angelo dela Cruz, who has been taken hostage by Iraqi militants.
Community organizations are gathering signatures to a petition asking President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to order the pullout unconditionally.
“We, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are collectively calling the government of the Republic of the Philippines to save the life of Saudi Arabian-based OFW Angelo dela Cruz who is being held hostage by pulling the Philippine troops out of Iraq as soon as possible,” the letter read.
“We deem the personal safety of all OFWs in the Middle East the first and foremost concern of our government.
“In view of the seriousness of the current situation in Iraq, we believe the lives of the OFWs are at extreme risk, particularly our compatriot Angelo dela Cruz, who is being threatened with imminent execution,” it added.
Organizers planned to send the petition to the Philippines before 3 p.m. on July 19 to be delivered to Arroyo at 6 p.m. on the same day.
The groups behind the petition cautioned the Philippine government against giving out statements that openly support the US occupation of Iraq so as not to put Filipinos in the Middle East at risk.
“We strongly ask the Philippine government to consider this most urgent petition,” they said.
Many Filipinos in the Kingdom worry whenever Arroyo or her officials openly declare their support for the continuing occupation of Iraq by American forces.
Several weeks ago, the community had been gripped by fear amid rumors that extremists in the Kingdom were targeting Filipino citizens because of Manila’s slavish support for Washington’s “war of aggression.”
In sending the letter to OFWs, the groups urged the formation of different secretariats to distribute and retrieve signed petitions and forms, which should be sent to the Riyadh secretariat on or before July 17.
OFWs were also reminded to respect local laws and customs and traditions and avoid antagonizing authorities.
Signature-gatherers were also reminded to respect the rights and opinion of who do not want to sign the petition.
Among those pushing for the petition were Akbayan, Savola, OFW Congress, OFW Net, CALABARZON, Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR), Bicol Federation, Bicol Saro nin Riyadh, San Miguel de Mayumo, United OFW, e-Lagda, OFWINS, and Unicap.
Fate Unknown
The fate of dela Cruz remained unknown yesterday even as Manila officials said the Philippine government was committed to withdraw its 51-member peace mission as demanded by the captors of dela Cruz.
The militant group, the Iraqi Islamic Army-Khaled bin Al-Waleed Corps, said in a video shown late Monday on Al-Jazeera that it had done everything possible to prove it wanted to spare the life of dela Cruz, a 46-year-old father of eight.
As the deadline given by the hostage-takers lapsed, Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Rafael Seguis went on the Arab television station Al-Jazeera early yesterday in an effort to secure the victim’s release.
“We are responding to your request and are to withdraw our contingent in Iraq as soon as possible,” he said.
Seguis also made a heartfelt plea to the kidnappers. On behalf of the Philippines and dela Cruz’s family, Seguis said, “I appeal to your compassion and mercy for his release.”
Seguis, who was in Baghdad working to get dela Cruz freed, said that Islam was a religion of peace and compassion. “I appeal to you and to your kind hearts as Muslims to please release Angelo dela Cruz so that he can return to his family and children,” he said.
Commenting on Seguis’ statement, OFW Congress president Alex Veloso Bello said:” I have heard Arab leaders say that the decision of President Arroyo to pull out the peace mission is a smart move.”
Vague
When questioned by the newscaster as to when the pullout would be, however, Seguis said it would come according to the government’s commitments.
It appeared the statement may have been deliberately ambiguous in a bid to save dela Cruz, and the government did nothing to clarify the issue.
“Let us leave the government to do what is necessary to save the life of an innocent Filipino and to uphold our nation’s interest,” presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said.
Feliciano “Bong” dela Cruz Jr., brother of the captive, woke up to the news that the deadline had lapsed.
“We don’t know anything,” he said, complaining about a government-mandated news blackout on tense negotiations with the kidnappers. “We are asking our president where our brother is.”
Military spokesman Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero said a plan was in place for a “phased pullout” from the three areas in central Iraq where the Filipinos are based.
“The troops have been pre-warned that they may be asked at any time to move out,” he said. “That means they should pack up. But we have not gotten the final order to go.”
Recognizing the fine line that Manila was taking to obtain dela Cruz’s release while remaining one of Washington’s closest supporters, US Secretary of State Colin Powell called Arroyo.
“We applaud President Arroyo’s decision not to give in to terrorists and not to agree to an early withdrawal of Filipino forces,” State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Monday.
But Arroyo’s handling of the crisis has also drawn criticism.
In a second day of protests demanding that the Philippines withdraws from Iraq, about 300 left-wing activists were dispersed by police outside Manila’s Quiapo Church. Several people were reported injured. (Additional input from The Associated Press)
