Plan to send troops to Iraq put on hold

President Gloria Arroyo has backtracked on her commitment to send 400 additional humanitarian contingents to Iraq, because of the continuous violence in Baghdad, an official told Gulf News.

Arroyo has directed the Philippine diplomatic post in Baghdad to make recommendations on the issue, said Julia Heidemann, spokesperson of Manila's foreign affairs office.

"We are concerned about the safety of out nationals in Iraq," Heidemann said.

Manila is also waiting for the recommendation of the US-led coalition of forces regarding the situation.