The Philippine government has announced that the country has begun to withdraw its troops from Iraq to secure the release of a Filipino held captive by militants.

CNN reports the number of Philippine soldiers and policemen in Iraq has been reduced from 51 to 43. CRIENGLISH.com reported Wednesday.

Earlier, the Philippine foreign ministry confirmed that the country will pull out its troops as soon as possible to defuse the hostage crisis.

The United States voiced disappointment over the decision, saying it sends a wrong signal to the militants.

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2004)