6 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said that there is a need to continue to help the people of Iraq in rebuilding their country and that this is not the time to abandon Iraq.

“We acknowledge that the situation in Iraq is a delicate one. But now is not the time to withdraw.  We continue to maintain our political and humanitarian commitment to the people of Iraq and to the stability and security of the Middle East region, “ Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary said that the Philippines is very much aware of the security situation on the ground, but said that all measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent in Iraq.  “We have very dedicated medical and social workers providing important services that have improved and saved the lives of Iraqis.  We also have very professional and seasoned members of our military and police who, together with the security forces of other countries, are looking after the safety and welfare of our contingent.  We monitor the situation on a very regular basis and are confident that there are no specific threats against our countrymen who wear our flag proudly as they carry out their humanitarian tasks,” the Secretary said.  President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier said that the Philippines will continue to maintain its presence in Iraq and had instructed Secretary Ople, the Chairman of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Humanitarian Assistance to Iraq, to ensure the safety of the Philippine Contingent.

He added that the Philippines will be actively engaged on the issue of Iraq when it assumes its non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in January next year.

On reports that the Philippines has down-sized its staff at the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad, the Secretary said that the movement is part of regular administrative movements, which are not normally broadcast to the public. “We need not maintain a complete staff there as the number of staff should be commensurate to the level of work,” the Secretary said.  He added that it is regrettable that a certain official had leaked this movement, as this makes the embassy more vulnerable to attacks or to robbers.  “This is like announcing to the world that you are leaving your house and it is open season for burglars,” the Secretary said. “I had hoped that our officials would be more responsible in matters such as this,” he added. END.