Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday hailed the country's selection as head of a counter-terrorism task force within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Arroyo said the selection "affirms the trust and confidence of the international community in our sincere efforts to fight terrorism". "The Philippines shall lead this international task force with a firm commitment towards the global pursuit of peace and freedom with the help and support of all APEC economies," she added. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines was elected on Sunday to serve as chairman of the task force for two years from 2005 to 2006, with Chile as vice chairman. The APEC counter-terrorism task force was formed in 2003, with Indonesia as chairman and Japan as vice chairman until 2004. It coordinates the implementation of various counter-terrorism initiatives in APEC, assists members in identifying and assessing needs and facilitates cooperation with other international groups. The Philippines has been one of the staunchest supporters of the U.S.-led global campaign against terrorism and the war on Iraq. However, the Philippines was dropped from the "coalition of the willing" after Arroyo ordered the pull-out of the country's troops from Iraq in July to save an abducted Filipino truck driver. The United States, Australia and other allies criticized Arroyo's decision and raised doubts over her government's determination to fight terrorism.
