Filipino Hostage Freed

I read Angelo de la Cruz was freed by his captors. When he called his wife, she could hardly believe it, asking "sino po sila?" (who is this?). Filipinos celebrated his safe arrival in the United Arab Emirates, one of the cheif employers of OFWs.

To secure his release, the Philippines agreed to pull it's humanitarian force out of Iraq. At first, Manila said it would pull out "as soon as possible," since they were already scheduled to leave in a few weeks. The US warned they were playing a dangerous game by being so vague. In the end, however, they did actually pull out a full month ahead of schedule.

A Filipino Senator said this move showed Manila's commitment to protecting citizens overseas, even over other foreign policy issues. OFWs significantly fuel the economy, sending home funds earned abroad. There are millions of OFWs around the world---most are in the Middle East. 

Now it's come out that Manila originally intended to pull out when the US handed over power to the Iraqi government. Some say this would have never happened had they stuck to the original plan. Others are worried the US will now reduce economic aid to the Philippines. But the government seems certain the US would not reduce military aid in the war on terror, especially in the south where Al Qaeda-linked groups are still active. A poll shows 72% of Filipinos are loving President Arroyo. And just in time for her State of the Nation address on Monday.