“The job of our Humanitarian Contingent in Iraq has gotten much bigger.  Aside from providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq, they now form the reserve manpower force for Team Iraq, the team that shall help to ensure the safety and welfare of all Filipinos in Iraq,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary said that she has received the report of Ambassador Roy Cimatu, Head of Team Iraq and that the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent is fully prepared and poised to play a part in the contingency plans for all Filipinos in Iraq.

“Our Humanitarian Contingent has gained valuable knowledge and experience while in Iraq.  We shall put these to good use and to the benefit of all Filipinos in Iraq. They are ready to help in addressing the possible contingencies that Filipinos might face in Iraq, from isolated security incidents involving a small number of Filipinos, to relocation and evacuation of larger numbers of Filipinos,” the Secretary said.

“The brave men and women of our Humanitarian Contingent have proven themselves when they provided outstanding humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people.  Now  they will be an important part of our government’s efforts to protect our own citizens who are in Iraq,” Secretary Albert added.

The Secretary confirmed that the Coalition has been informed of the additional mandate of the Humanitarian Contingent and that there would be no obstacles to Filipino soldiers helping out Filipino civilians in Iraq.  She added that coordination on this matter has also been made with Iraqi authorities.

“Operationally, the bulk of our Contingent will remain in their camp as a reserve force for Team Iraq, ready to deploy and help Filipinos as may be necessary.  Eight police officials of our Contingent have been posted to our Embassy in Baghdad to form the vanguard of Team Iraq and to work with our charge d’ affaires in our Embassy, Eric Endaya, to assist him as he continues to register Filipinos in Iraq and to help him in cases were quick reaction to a situation might be necessary,” Secretary Albert explained.

The Secretary added that Ambassador Cimatu left yesterday to continue finalizing contingency plans and to meet with the Philippine Ambassadors from the countries surrounding Iraq.
 
The Secretary also confirmed that the Philippine Government has placed a temporary halt to the deployment of workers to Iraq, until Ambassador Cimatu returns and gives an update and his recommendations on the issue of deploying workers to Iraq. “In the meantime, the government will continue processing employment papers but new workers will not be deployed,” the Secretary said. END.