The head of the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent to Iraq, BGen Jovito Palparan, leaves Iraq on or about 9:00PM today (Philippine time) and I am looking forward to meeting him and receiving his briefing on the final preparations for the return of the rest of the humanitarian contingent.

The 10 members of the humanitarian contingent began their journey out of Iraq around 1:00pm today (Philippine time) and will be met by the Philippine embassy officials in Kuwait, from where they will take their commercial flight to Manila. We hope to welcome the following members of our humanitarian contingent led by Maj. Samuel Apayart, PAF:

Technical Sergeant Charito Gutierrez PA
Technical Sergeant Orlando Calano PA
Technical Sergeant Negsur Betantos PN
Staff Sergeant Philip Villamar PN (Marines)
Staff Sergeant Nestor Lanuevo PA
Sergeant Ronald Maungay PN (Marines)
Sergeant Edwin Garcia PA
Petty Officer 3rd Class Joven Ibanez PN
Seamn 1st Class Data Processor Manuel Cajote PN

We continue with our efforts to win Angelo's freedom. END