Kidnappers of Philippine hostage in Iraq give Manila the last chance
Iraq-Philippines, Politics, 7/13/2004

The kidnappers of the Philippine's hostage in Iraq gave the government of Manila another 24 hours after the end of the last period on Sunday evening to execute their demands.

An organization calling itself the "Islamic army in Iraq" said in a statement that they took the hostage Ankhilo De La Kroz to the site where the death penalty will be carried out and he was given water and food.

The hostage, a father for 8 children, addressed a televised tape his last message to the President of the Philippine Gloria Oryo, demanding her quickly to pullout his country's soldiers from Iraq so as he will return back to his family alive.

The group threatened to beheaded the Philippine's hostage if Manila will not agree to withdraw its forces on July 20. But the government of the Philippines -- which Washington supported its position in refusing to abide by the demands of the kidnappers -- committed to withdraw its forces working in Iraq, according to the date set before on August 20.

Meantime, the wife of the Philippine hostage and his brother, accompanied by the minister of labor Santo Thomas arrived yesterday in Jordan to extend the final call for releasing him.

Meanwhile, A diplomat close to the file in the Philippines stressed that the holders of the hostage refused a proposal from the government of Manila to pay a ransom for releasing him.

Previous Stories:
  Manila renews rejection of early withdrawal from Iraq   (7/12/2004)
  Philippines bans sending workers to Iraq, five American soldiers killed   (7/9/2004)
  One Iraqi group holds a Philippine hostage, threatens killing him; Allawi accuses foreigners of the attacks, vows to crush them   (7/8/2004)

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