Philippines confident of mending ties with foreign allies

The Philippine government Wednesdayexpressed confidence that the country will be able to mend its ties with foreign allies while the nation prepares a grand welcomefor freed hostage Angelo de la Cruz.

"The president (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) does not regret her decision but we still consider the United States as our big brother in the security arena," Philippine Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said in a statement.

"Our long-standing and mature relations will survive this crisis," he said, adding that "we maintain our strong stand against terrorism in the face of this isolated event."

De la Cruz reportedly will leave Iraq by Wednesday noon and flyto Abu Dhabi for a medical checkup by a special plane from the United Arab Emirates before his reunion with his wife who has beenstaying in Jordan, awaiting his release.

The Philippines, a staunch supporter of both the US-led campaign against terrorism and the US-led invasion of Iraq, completed the withdrawal of its 51-member humanitarian contingent from Iraq on Monday, one month ahead of their original schedule onAug. 20.

The move secured Tuesday's release of Filipino truck driver de la Cruz, a 46-year-old father of eight abducted on July 7 by Iraqimilitants who demanded the early withdrawal of the Philippine contingent from Iraq.

The United States has expressed joy and relief over the releasethe Filipino hostage, however, maintains its policy against countries giving in to terrorist demands.

"It's good to see that he's safe," US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said. "Our policy on how this came abouthas certainly not changed."

The US Embassy earlier expressed "disappointment" over the Philippine government's announcement to withdraw the troops, however, it reiterated last week US close ties with the Philippines despite the decision.

The United States has provided military training and assistanceto the Philippine government to battle local rebels reportedly linked to the al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah networks.