Tension rises between US and Philippines

US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone said he was leaving the Philippines today for consultations in Washington, reflecting strained relations between the two allies over Manila’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Iraq.

The US and its allies say the Philippines’ decision to withdraw its 51-member contingent in Iraq a month ahead of schedule, as demanded by insurgents who had threatened to behead a captive Filipino truck driver, would encourage more terrorism and endanger other members of the US-led coalition.

Ricciardone told Filipino reporters at his Manila residence late yesterday that he wasn’t being recalled, but did not rule out consequences as a result of the Philippines’ withdrawal.

“I’m sure some people did look at that, and much else,” he was quoted as saying by the Philippine Star newspaper. ”Naturally, things will have an impact on how we understand, how we anticipate the Philippines may act in a similar situation in the future.

“It’s worrisome. We really have to do some serious work together.”

Ricciardone, a career diplomat who recently returned from Washington, where he oversaw creation of the US Embassy in Baghdad, refused to say what, if any, consequences, Manila may face.

The former US colony is a recipient of US aid and relies heavily on the US military to train and equip its military for the fight against local Muslim insurgents.

A major training exercise with US troops is scheduled to begin in the southern Philippines next week.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has said she does not regret the withdrawal decision. Truck driver Angelo dela Cruz was released in Baghdad on Tuesday after the last Filipino troops left the country.

Ricciardone said he had sought a two-week visit to Washington during which he would also attend to personal matters, the Star reported.

The US Embassy did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.