MANILA, July 18: All remaining Filipino troops in Iraq will leave the strife-torn country next week to meet the demands of militants holding a Filipino truck driver, the Philippine government said on Sunday.
"The remaining members of the Philippine humanitarian contingent are finalizing the turn-over of their responsibilities," Foreign Secretary Delia Albert said in a televized statement.
Ms Albert said Philippine Ambassador to the Middle East Roy Cimatu will accompany the Filipino troops on Monday to "an exit call on the new Polish commander at Camp Charlie in Babil province" where they have been assigned.
"After the call, the remaining contingent will then proceed to Kuwait and from there return to Manila by commercial flight," she said. "Arrangements for their return flight are being made by the Philippine embassy in Kuwait."
The Philippine contingent was originally composed of 51 soldiers and policemen. The United States and other allies have criticized the Philippines for caving in to the demands of the captors. -dpa
