Philippines pulls out 11 of its peacekeepers

Allies scolded the nation for giving in to terrorists.
MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- The Philippines said today it was pulling out 11 members of its Iraq peacekeeping mission, the start of a full withdrawal aimed at saving the life of a captive Filipino truck driver.
The government's decision to meet the demands of kidnappers who had threatened to kill the hostage, Angelo dela Cruz, drew sharp criticism from Australia and the United States.
Foreign Secretary Delia Albert said 11 peacekeepers, including the mission's leader, were leaving for home today and the rest of the force, originally of 51 members, "will be out of Iraq shortly."
Albert's announcement came hours after al-Jazeera television ran a report that said the insurgents would release dela Cruz if the troops were gone by the end of the month. They had threatened to kill him otherwise.
He's on tape
Al-Jazeera also aired a video of dela Cruz in which he said he was coming home soon and thanked his government for agreeing to withdraw.
Dela Cruz, 46, was not in the bright orange garment he wore in previous videos -- an apparent sign that he is no longer under threat of death. Other hostages killed by insurgents were clad in orange in videos showing their beheadings.
"Wait for me, I'm coming back to you," he reportedly told his family, pointing out his change of clothing. His voice was not audible; the news reader narrated the video.
The decision to withdraw the 51 police and soldiers, announced earlier this week, was met with harsh criticism from Manila's allies. The United States and Australia warned that the Philippines was sending the wrong signal to terrorists.
Only makes it worse
"I don't want to be harsh on a friend, but it is a mistake and it won't buy them immunity," Australian Prime Minister John Howard said today. "It's a wretched state of affairs, but if you give in, it won't stop it happening again. You invite people to do it with increasing severity because they will know they succeed.
"If you give in, the game's over and they will increase the intensity of their attacks," he said.
White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Thursday the decision "sends the wrong signal to terrorists."
"You cannot negotiate with terrorists or make a separate peace with terrorists," he said, but indicated it would not affect Manila's relationship with Washington.