After almost three days of silence, the Philippine presidential palace Friday resumed routine daily press conference, but said that the news blackout would be continued for the sake of the hostage in Iraq.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye reiterated that the news blackout on the Iraq hostage crisis remains and appealed the media's understanding "in this particular regard."

He stressed that "wrong signals" could put at risk the life of kidnapped Filipino truck driver Angelo de la Cruz, who is still inthe hands of Iraqi militants.

"We know the life of Angelo de la Cruz is at stake and we do not wish to make any wrong signals that could jeopardize his safety," Bunye added.

Foreign Minister Delia Albert announced that the government hadrecalled the head of the humanitarian contingent in Iraq and 10 other members after the troops were reduced from 51 to 43 on Tuesday.

Apart from the news blackout, Bunye answered questions on otherissues at the conference but evaded those related to the hostage situation.

Philippine Vice President Noli de Castro Wednesday appealed thenationals for more time and trust in dealing with the hostage crisis as it is still continuing seeking the safety release of Cruz in Iraq.

He also called on all Filipinos to support government on the matter. "Let's give government enough time and trust."

Explaining the news blackout that the government has conducted on the hostage crisis, de Castro said "because we are taking precaution to make sure that we get Cruz back alive."

"Let's not add to the suffering of the de la Cruz's families and relatives through speculation," he said.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who paid a visit to the central city of Cebu as her first out-of-town trip since the hostage crisis broke in Iraq six days ago, is keeping silence regarding the hostage crisis.

Source: Xinhua