The possibility of sending another Humanitarian Contingent to Iraq is not being contemplated.  There are no discussions on this matter at policy levels or with other countries.

The Philippines remains committed to a democratic, stable and pluralistic Iraq, free from terror and at peace with itself and its neighbors. The Philippines will continue to do what it can, within its capabilities and pursuant to its interests, and in the context of and guided by UN Security Council resolution 1546, in helping the people of Iraq.

The Philippines had previously helped in Iraq’s capacity building by providing training for Iraqi civil servants and local government officials in Manila last year.  Similar programs could be developed, in cooperation with third-country sponsors.  This, as well as other possible ways of helping Iraq’s sovereign people in this manner, will be discussed next week when Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert meets with the Task Forces on Humanitarian Assistance and Private Sector Reconstruction on Iraq.
 
Contrary to media reports, the possibility of sending another Humanitarian Contingent or the sending of Philippine government personnel to Iraq was not discussed when US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone called on Secretary Delia Domingo Albert last Monday. END.