President Gloria Arroyo yesterday warned all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East to keep in close contact with their embassies and the Middle East Preparedness Team (MEPT) in the wake of reports that the Iraqi military might unleash chemical weapons against the advancing U.S.-led coalition forces. In a teleconference with Ambassador Roy Cimatu, MEPT head, who is based in Kuwait, Arroyo said the impending battle in Baghdad has created the possibility that President Saddam Hussain will resort to desperate measures including the use of chemical weapons and more acts of terrorism. “This could be the climax of the war, which could rouse and beget terrorist cells all over the world,” Arroyo said. Referring to Saddam, the president stated that an adversary “in the throes of defeat is prone to sow terror”. “That is why we have spared no effort in preparing for the worst. Let’s not be complacent and let’s be focussed and calm and ride out the storm.” Full Story
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