Filipino hostage is released

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo confirmed Tuesday afternoon that truck driver Angelo dela Cruz has been released by Iraqi militants and is on his way home from the United Arab Emirates.

A smiling Arroyo told the presidential news pool at the Macalanang presidential palace that she has talked with dela Cruz by phone and that he is in good state.

"I am happy to announce to the nation that our long national vigil involving Angelo dela Cruz is over. I thanked the Lord Almighty for his blessings," said Arroyo.

"I just spoke to him. His health is good, his spirits high and he sends best wishes to every Filipino for their thoughts and prayers," she said.

The Philippine government completed the pullout of its humanitarian contingent from Iraq on July 19, at the demand of Iraqi militants who kidnapped dela Cruz and threatened to kill him.

Arroyo said that the Philippine nation -- Muslim and Christian alike, "united around our compassion for an innocent in a world of danger".

"A father of eight, Angelo has become a Filipino 'everyman', a symbol of the hard working Filipino seeking hope and opportunity,"said Arroyo.

She thanked the Philippine government officials who "worked quietly" for Angelo dela Cruz's release, as well as foreigners who helped facilitate the negotiations for his release.

"Most of all, I thank the Filipino people for their forbearance and prayers," she said.

Source: Xinhua