8 January 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today extended the deepest sympathies of the Philippine government to the governments and families of the 5 Bulgarian, 2 Thais and 2 French nationals who were killed in separate incidents in Iraq.

“A bright future for Iraq has been ensured because of the profound sacrifices of these brave soldiers from Bulgaria and Thailand and the two private contractors from France. We join all others in extending our deepest sympathies to their governments and to their families,” Secretary Albert said. “Our own humanitarian workers remain safe and secure.  There are no specific threats against them and they are in areas that are general stable and safe,” the Secretary said. “They continue to help the Iraqi people bring about meaningful changes in their lives.  Our workers treat their sick, educate their children, train their police and bring the message of hope and tolerance to the Iraqi people.  We look forward to remaining in Iraq, resources allowing,” the Secretary added.  The six-month deployment of the Filipino humanitarian contingent ends next month and Secretary Albert hopes to continue their deployment for another six months.

The Secretary said, however, that two contingent members were recently injured in a traffic accident last 4 January. “Our two contingent members have been given medical care by our own contingent doctors and have been released from hospital.  Their injuries were a result of a minor traffic accident and there was no threat to their own or any of our contingent members’ lives,” Secretary Albert said.

The Secretary said that the Philippine engagement in Iraq is not limited to the Humanitarian Contingent. “I attended the Madrid Donors’ Conference for Iraq, and we offered to share our experience in democratic governance.  Very shortly, we hope to make a formal announcement on a training program in the Philippines for Iraqi government officials.  This training will be the first of its kind outside Iraq,” Secretary Albert said. END.