RP bio-war unit to be sent to ME in case of war

President Arroyo said yesterday she will order the deployment of anti-biological warfare contingent to the Middle East in case United States-led allied forces attack Iraq.

Speaking at the anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo, the President said the unit, to be led by retired Gen. Roy Cimatu, will evacuate millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be dislocated by the war.

Cimatu, who was designated earlier as special ambassador to the Middle East, has visited the region to assess the situation in the light of the impending war for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the OFWs.

Only a handful of ranking government officials attended the AFP commemoration rites, highlighted by the traditional conferment of medals to outstanding soldiers and civilian personnel.

Apart from Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. , only Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes were present at the affair.

Also present were former President Fidel Ramos, former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa who also served as Ramos’ Executive Secretary, former Ambassador Fortunato Abat, himself a retired Army general, and members of the diplomatic corp.

AFP chief Gen. Dionisio Santiago theorized that holding the affair early in the morning could have been the reason why most of the invited guests failed to attend.

"We are not in control of their time. We cannot wake them up," Santiago said.

Meanwhile, it took more than 50 years for the government to recognize the heroism of a soldier who fought against the Japanese invaders.

Army 2Lt. Arcadio Mayor was finally awarded a Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat against the Japanese Imperial Army during a battle in Lukban, Quezon. –Jaime Laude