Government must fully withdraw Philippine support to US War on Iraq to save Robert Tarongoy

MIGRANTE Sectoral Party Chairperson Connie Bragas-Regalado today called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to immediately take definitive actions to save Robert Theodore Tarongoy being held hostage in Iraq.

"Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and various personas of Malacanang and the Department of Foreign Affairs have been issuing vague statements and continually refuse to reveal what the current status of negotiations is and what is being done to save Tarongoy and protect the more than 6,500 OFWs working in military installations in Iraq," Bragas-Regalado said.

The MIGRANTE Sectoral Party also reiterated its call urging "the Philippine government to immediately (1) embark on a full withdrawal of all support to the US War on Iraq; (2) allocate government funds to establish an emergency repatriation fund for OFWs in Iraq that is sourced from the national coffers and (3) pursue a program to create stable, commensurate and well-paying jobs for our people IN the Philippines."

The government is hoping that Saudi Arabian Trading and Construction Corp, Tarongoy's employer, could help in the Filipino's release in the wake of reports that hostage takers have threatened to kill him if their demands were not met in four days.

"Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and DFA spokesperson Gilbert Asuque have not given any definitive government move on the two demands of Tarongoy's abductors. What government does with regard to these demands are crucial for the release of Tarongoy," Bragas-Regalado said.

Tarongoy's abductors have demanded (1) the pullout of 6,500 Filipino workers Iraq and (2) an end to military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States government.

"Malacanang and the DFA are playing down these demands and asking the media and the public not to speculate on the conditions of Tarongoy. But government is not telling the public what is really happening. It is only kowtowing to whatever US government initiative is being done in Iraq that is why speculations arise," Bragas-Regalado said.

Migrante warned of more unrest if government failed to save Tarongoy and protect all OFWs in Iraq.

"The bulk of the 6,500 Filipino civilians working in Iraq are employed by contractors for US companies and in US military bases - which are legitimate targets of Iraqi rebels. Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo must fully withdraw all support to the US War on Iraq to save Robert Tarongoy and secure the lives of all OFWs in the strife-torn country," Bragas-Regalado ended. #