July 13 (Bloomberg) -- The Philippines will withdraw its troops from Iraq ``as soon as possible'' to save the life of a Filipino truck driver held hostage in Iraq, al-Jazeera reported, citing Philippine Deputy Foreign Minister Rafael Seguis.

``We are responding to your request and are to withdraw our humanitarian contingent in Iraq as soon as possible,'' al-Jazeera quoted Seguis as saying. In a phone interview, Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Gilberto Asuque declined to comment on the report of the Qatar-based organization.

Angelo de la Cruz, a 46-year-old father of eight, was seized outside Baghdad on Wednesday. His captors threatened to behead him unless the Philippines withdrew from the U.S.-led contingent in Iraq, according to a videotape broadcast by al-Jazeera.

The group has agreed to free de la Cruz, Cable News Network reported today, citing an unidentified Filipino diplomat in the Iraqi capital. De la Cruz was driving a fuel truck between the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, and Baghdad when he was seized.

The Philippine government responded by pleading for his life. It said at the weekend its 50 soldiers, who are serving in non- combat roles, would leave as scheduled on Aug. 20.

The statement attributed to Seguis didn't say when the soldiers will leave.

(Al-Jazeera 7-13)

To contact the reporter on this story: Francisco Alcuaz Jr. in Manila at falcuaz@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: July 12, 2004 20:50 EDT