Doha, Qatar, 7 November 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo tonight aired an appeal for the safe release of Filipino national Robert Tarongoy who was abducted last week in Iraq.

Saying that it was his hope that “kindness and benevolence” would lead to the freedom of Robert, the Secretary appealed for Robert’s early and safe release so that he can “be reunited with his family and friends who miss him dearly.”

In his appeal, the Secretary emphasized the fact that Robert is a civilian and not involved in any political or military activities in Iraq, saying that he “is an accountant and a family man.”

While at the Al Jazeera studios, the Secretary met with Al Jazeera’s Managing Director, Mr. Wadah Khanfar, Editor-in-Chief Achmad Al Sheik and Head of International Relations Manal El-Hrisse as well as Filipino technician Rusty Avendano.

In his appeal, the Secretary said :

Ramadan Kareem.  I am here to make an appeal for the early and safe release of my countryman, Robert Tarongoy, who is an accountant and a family man.  My appeal is in addition to the many others made on Robert’s behalf and on behalf of his family.

At this time of reflection, when we find in our hearts the true value of life, and where we hope to find kindness and benevolence in others, I would like to appeal for the early and safe release of my countryman, Robert Tarongoy, so that he may be reunited with his family and friends who love him and who miss him dearly.

When asked by Al Jazeera on the condition of other workers in Iraq, the Secretary said that they are mostly in generally safe areas.  The Secretary added that the Philippines continues to maintain its ban on workers to Iraq.  As the interview came to a close, the Secretary expressed his deep appreciation to all those who are working for Robert’s freedom and to Al Jazeera for airing his live appeal for Robert’s release.

Emerging from his interview, Secretary Romulo said that it is his hope that this appeal will “bring us one step closer to returning Robert safely to his family,” adding that “I will continue to exert every effort and go the extra mile to work for Robert’s freedom.”

While in the Middle East, Secretary Romulo has been meeting with several high government officials on a wide range of issues, including the efforts to secure Robert’s safe and early release. End