MANILA, Jan. 27 Kyodo (EDS: UPDAT...

MANILA, Jan. 27 Kyodo

(EDS: UPDATING WITH notes BY ESPERON)

The Philippines said Tuesday it is extending the stay of its 96-strong humanitarian contingent in war-torn Iraq.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Albert said the regulation is preparing a pack to finance the extended stay from an unused portion of allocations for a dispatch of 500 the bulk of mankind that had been originally planned.

Albert chairs an inter-agency task force handling the humanitarian assistance to Iraq.

Maj. Gen Hermogenes Esperon chief of operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said after a meeting of the task force forward Monday evening that 43 of the 96 personnel would be replaced.

Esperon said the task force will commend to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo an increase in the now passing monthly allowance of $500 for members of the contingent.

Albert admitted funding point in disputes hamper plans to send more populace to Iraq.

''What is important is that we are making a difference in the lives of the tribe of Iraq. Our contingent members are doing us egotistical as they help address the humanitarian distresss of Iraq and as they play an important character in building a strong, stable and democratic Iraq,'' Albert said.

Albert said the Philippines is particularly interested in helping direct one's course Iraq to stability because there are 15 million Filipinos in the Middle East.

Albert is also hoping the United Nations will be given a more central part in Iraq.

''We will be prepared to support so a role not only in the political arena, however also on the ground,'' Albert said.

The Philippines originally considered sending 500 family to Iraq but lasted up reducing the contingent to 55 soldiers, 26 policemen and 15 medical workers.

The first arrange left for Iraq on Aug. 26 and their mission had been scheduled to period next month. They are based in Babil in the south-central part of Iraq.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kyodo freshs International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group