3 June 2004, Islamabad, Pakistan – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert said that the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent in Iraq remains safe, emphasizing that the recent shooting incident was more in the nature of harassment carried out by Iraqi militants.  The Secretary made this statement from Islamabad, Pakistan, where she is currently on an official visit.

“Our humanitarian contingent is safe.  I would like to add that there is no indication that the Filipinos in the convoy were the targets of the shooting.  From all indications, as far as the militants were concerned, they were shooting at a convoy, without necessarily having any knowledge that there were Filipinos on the convoy,” Secretary Albert said.
 
“I hope for the full and complete recovery of those injured and deplore all attacks against members or nationals of the Coalition,” the Secretary added.

Three humanitarian contingent members suffered minor injuries and were evacuated to a hospital immediately after the shooting.  The shooting occurred in the vicinity of Al Talayyi Village, Al Neel District, Babil Province on 1 June 2004.
 
“The convoy was fired upon on their way to turn over a finished school project to the people of Al Talayyi Village.  This makes this shooting even more loathsome.  What is important is that this shooting will not change our resolve to help the people of Iraq.  The school, built with the supervision and assistance of our contingent, will be turned over to Al Talayyi Village.  The children of the village will have their school,” the Secretary said.

“I also understand that our contingent members are to be commended for their security preparations.  I understand that the experience and instincts of our troops played a great part in ensuring their safety,” the Secretary said. “This speaks volumes on the courage and professionalism of our men and women in uniform,” Secretary Albert said.

She added that she had already received the personal words of encouragement and best wishes from foreign government officials who had heard of the shooting. “Although there are some differences of opinion in the international community on the issue of Iraq, the clear consensus is that the violence must end.  The clear consensus is that there is no support for those who resort to violence to return Iraq to its oppressive past,” the Secretary said.

“We are at a critical point in ensuring the future of Iraq.  Discussions have begun in the UN Security Council under our Presidency on the turn over of Iraq to its people.  What is certain is that this is not the time to abandon Iraq.  Our humanitarian contingent will stay, and so will our resolve to do all we can as this month’s President of the UN Security Council to build a secure future for the people of Iraq,” Secretary Albert said. END.