28 soldiers, cops return from Iraq

Twenty-eight soldiers and policemen, who form part of the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent to Iraq (PCHI), are now back home after more than six months of work to help rebuild the war-torn Middle Eastern country.

The 28 men in uniform –10 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and 18 policemen of the Philippine National Police (PNP) –arrived yesterday in Manila via Kuwait Airways flight KU-111 at around 4 p.m.

The contingent immediately proceeded to the Villamor Airbase, headquarters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Pasay City. They left for Iraq on Aug. 28, 2003.

In an interview, PO3 Frederick Ganut, one of the contingent members, said it was part of their duty to help rebuild Iraq. Their mission lasted six months. But while their work is finished, he said a new batch will soon be sent there to continue their humanitarian mission.

Ganut was met by his wife, Lilibeth, and their children. Other members of the contingent were also met by their loved ones in an emotional reunion.

The AFP contingent was led by head of mission Col. Gerardo Layug of the Philippine Army, Lt. Commander Peter Marcelo of the Philippine Navy.

The PCHI participated in the United Nation’s efforts in the reconstruction of Iraq to make it a free, democratic country, Lt. Col. Restituto Padilla, Airforce information chief said in a statement.

The Philippine contingent, Padilla said, left the country for strife-torn Iraq determined to participate in the worldwide effort to help distraught Iraqis recover from the war.

The AFP team of the PCHI conducted medical, dental and civic action in war-worn communities in Iraq while the PNP members helped train fresh recruits for the Iraqi Civilian Police.

Iraq became a hub of conflict following the Western-led invasion in March 2003 to rid the country of suspected weapons of mass destruction.