STATEMENT OF THE
CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
ON FILIPINO HOSTAGE IN IRAQ , MR. ANGELO DE LA CRUZ

It is with extreme sadness that we accept the news that one of our kababayans, Mr. Angelo de la Cruz, an Overseas Filipino Worker in Iraq , has been held hostage by terrorists in Iraq and threatened with beheading within 72 hours from yesterday when they announced it.

We join his family, his provincemates, and the entire nation in storming heavens that he be spared this ultimate cruelty.

We also pray for his tormentors, that the Lord will soften their hearts so that they will release Angelo.

Let us turn to God and through the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, ask him to bring peace to Iraq and to its people.

For the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines

+FERNANDO CAPALLA, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao
President
Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines