Philippines Objects to Australia Slam.

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines angrily summoned the Australian ambassador Wednesday, saying it objected to criticism that a concession to Iraqi insurgents to save the life of a Filipino captive has encouraged terrorism.

Ambassador Ruth Pearce was called in after Australian Foreign Secretary Alexander Downer blamed the Philippines and Spain for a new threat against Australia by a purported al-Qaida affiliate.

Downer said terrorists had been energized by the Philippines’ early withdrawal of troops from Iraq to save hostage Angelo dela Cruz from being beheaded, and by Spain’s pull out after the Madrid train bombings in March.

The United States has also criticized the troop withdrawals.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Delia Albert said she told the Australian envoy that “we strongly object to the broad characterization made by these officials in these statements, particularly those that question the resolve of the Philippines to fight terrorism.

”I also conveyed in very strong terms that we find very objectionable the liability attributed to the Philippines for subsequent acts of hostage-taking in Iraq,” she said, adding that kidnapping there was already on the rise.

The kidnappers themselves have praised the Philippines for doing their bidding, of course. It’s obvious that if all nations presented a united front and refused to deal at all with Islamic kidnappers, the kidnappings would stop. But the Philippines have given a very clear signal to the mujahideen that at least some of the time, this tactic will pay off.