Philippines starts pulling troops out of Iraq to save hostage

The Philippines said it has begun pulling its troops out of Iraq to save the life of a Filipino hostage, despite warnings by allies the United States and Australia that it was sending the wrong signal to terrorists. Foreign Secretary Delia Albert announced the dramatic change of policy by the key US ally in Southeast Asia after Islamic militants in Iraq beheaded one of two kidnapped Bulgarian truck drivers. [more] Pictured above: Filipino protesters in military uniforms march towards the Presidential Palace in Manila calling for the withdrawal of Philippine troops from Iraq and protesting against the hostage situation of a Filipino overseas workers held by Iraqi militants, in Manila July 14. [more]