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<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-7/pres-arroyo.webp" alt="President Gloria Arroy and President George Bush"/>
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(US President George W. Bush and Philippine president Gloria Arroyo review troops during a welcoming ceremony at the Malacanang, Saturday, October 18, 2003)
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<p>
Angelito de la Cruz was abducted on July 4 of the same year while crossing the boarders of Iraq. The Iraqi rebels threatened to behead him unless 

the Filipino peace contingent in Iraq was recalled before the end of July of that year.
</p>
<p>
Ahead of the pullout, Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said he had spoken to Arroyo and urged her to "reconsider" withdrawing forces 

because "we cannot give up to terrorism".
</p>
<p>
U.S. officials also have expressed dismay at Manila's decision, saying it could spark further abductions by terrorists.
</p>
<p>
After two weeks in captivity, De la Cruz was freed unharmed on July 20, 2004, a day after the Philippine government completed the withdrawal of 

its 51-member humanitarian contingent in compliance with kidnappers' demands.
</p>
<p>
De la Cruz was first turned over to officials at the UAE Embassy in Baghdad before he was transferred to the Philippine Embassy. He was flown to 

Abu Dhabi for medical evaluation.
</p>

<p>
<b>References:</b>
</p>
<ol class="article-sources">
<li>
Philippines News Agency
</li>
<li>
CNN World
</li>
</ol>


July 19, 2004: Arroyo ordered the pullout of the Philippine humanitarian contingent out of Iraq