The US government welcomes the Philippines' decision not to withdraw its troops from Iraq ahead of the schedule, spokesman of the Statement Department Richard Boucher said here on Monday.

"We applaud President Arroyo's decision not to give in to terrorists and not to agree to an early withdrawal of Filipino forces," Boucher told a news briefing.

He spoke highly of the relations between the United States and the Philippines, noting Philippine President Arroyo and the Philippine people have long been strong and loyal allies in the war against international terrorism.

Boucher also called on the people who kidnapped a Filipino to release the hostage at once, stressing "Kidnapping or murder of innocent civilians is one of the most heinous aspects of terrorism."

The militants, who kidnapped a Filipino truck driver, have demanded Philippine President Gloria Arroyo to pledge to pull out a 51-man Filipino contingent in Iraq by July 20, or risk seeing the Filipino beheaded.

Arroyo has steadfastly rejected the demand.

Sourcve: Xinhua