Philippine foreign secretary confirms troops pullout from Iraq

Philippine Foreign Secretary Delia Albert confirmed Tuesday that the Philippines will pull out its humanitarian contingent from Iraq to help solve its hostage crisis in Iraq.

"When Deputy Foreign Minister Rafael Seguis spoke this morning during his interview with al-Jazeera, he spoke with fore knowledge and full authority of the Philippine government," Albert said in a brief statement.

Earlier Tuesday, Seguis told the Arabic channel al-Jazeera that the Philippines would withdraw its humanitarian force "as soon as possible."

"In response to your request, the Philippines...will withdraw its humanitarian forces as soon as possible," said Seguis, who was in Baghdad working to free Angelo de la Cruz, a 46-year-old Philippine truck driver kidnapped in Iraq on Wednesday.

"I hope the statement that I read will touch the heart of this group," said Seguis, adding that "We know that Islam is the religion of peace and mercy." The official began his appeal with the words "in the name of Allah."

"I appeal to you and to your kind hearts as Muslims to please release Angelo de la Cruz so that he can return to his family and children," the official said.

After Seguis' statement, the abductors of Cruz have reportedly promised to release him Tuesday.

The wife and brother of de la Cruz arrived in Jordan on Monday to appeal for his release.

Earlier, the abductors said the Philippines had until Early Tuesday (Manila time) to agree to withdraw its humanitarian contingent from Iraq by July 20 or Cruz would be executed.

The Arroyo administration had previously said it would not change plans to withdraw its 51-member contingent, all working on humanitarian projects, as scheduled on Aug. 20.