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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Filipino Truck Driver Freed in Iraq |
| 2004-07-20 |
| By JAMIE TARABAY, Associated Press Writer A Filipino truck driver held hostage in Iraq (news - web sites) for nearly two weeks was freed Tuesday, a day after his nation withdrew its final peacekeepers from Iraq — a move that met the kidnappers' demands but angered U.S. and Iraqi officials. Say what you want about "bad precedent", but it's the best outcome for him. Angelo dela Cruz was brought to the steps of the United Arab Emirates embassy at about 10:30 a.m. and told by the kidnappers to go inside, an embassy official said on condition of anonymity. Embassy officials said there was no coordination between them and the kidnappers. About three hours later, dela Cruz was driven to the Philippines Embassy in a silver Mercedes. As he walked out of the car, jubilant embassy staff members embraced him. The Philippines government released a videotape showing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo talking on the telephone with dela Cruz. "I hope you are happy now," she said. "Yes, ma'am," responded dela Cruz, who appeared to be having trouble hearing Arroyo. Dela Cruz's family in the Philippines' Pampanga province reacted with joy and thanked Arroyo and other government officials for saving his life. "Thank you so much Mrs. President," the hostage's father, Francisco, said. Dela Cruz was to be flown to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for a medical checkup before heading home. Rest at link |
| Posted by:Anonymous5089 |
| #2 Filipino Worker = Al Qaeda ATM |
| Posted by: dreadnought 2004-07-20 11:46:23 AM |
| #1 nice price tag put on filipino workers in the mid east...not much mentioned in the press about the 6mil ransom paid.... |
| Posted by: Dan 2004-07-20 10:54:41 AM |