Filipino Hostage Released in Iraq

[Viking12]

By CARLOS H. CONDE

Published: July 20, 2004


ANILA, July 20 — Iraqi militants released a Filipino hostage today, ending a two-week crisis during which the Philippine government bowed to the insurgents' demand to withdraw its troops, a concession that strained its relationships with countries such as the United States.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo spoke with Angelo dela Cruz, the Filipino truck driver taken hostage on July 7 by Iraqi militants, on the phone this afternoon, shortly before confirming the release to the news media. "Wonderful moment!" the President exclaimed when she heard Mr. dela Cruz's voice. The conversation was later broadcast on nationwide television.

Mr. dela Cruz's wife, Arsenia, burst into tears upon hearing the news in neighboring Jordan, The Associated Press reported.

Mr. dela Cruz was dropped off near the United Arab Emirates embassy in Baghdad, news agency reports said. "We were surprised this morning when the Philippine hostage Angelo dela Cruz was set free in our embassy," the U.A.E. charge d'affaires, Hamed al-Shamisi, said in a statement to Agence France-Presse

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/20/international/asia/20CND-HOST.html

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1. I don't get it

Brit Hume said the terrorists were crazy and killed people for "Allah". Does Allah mean "occupation" in Arabic? :shrug: