The Filipino hostage has been freed, now that the Philippines has agreed to withdraw from Iraq in accord with the Islamic terrorists’ wishes. I am glad that this man’s life was spared, but how many more will have to die — in the Philippines, Iraq, and elsewhere — because the jihadists have now seen again that terror and intimidation work and thus they should continue them? The Philippines and Spain have done the free world a grave disservice.
From AP:
MANILA, Philippines – Insurgents in Iraq freed a Filipino truck driver whom they kidnapped and threatened to behead, the Philippine labor secretary said Saturday….
The announcement came just hours after Arroyo’s spokesman said the Philippines’ small peacekeeping contingent in Iraq would be withdrawn when its tour ends Aug. 20. Dela Cruz’s captors had demanded that Manila pull out its tiny 52-strong force within three days, a deadline that was drawing near as word came of the release.
UPDATE: Now, in what is becoming a familiar dance, they are saying that he hasn’t been freed after all.