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.