MANILA, July 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States has expressed joyand relief over the release of Filipino hostage Angelo de la Cruz from his Iraqi captors.

    "Our thoughts and prayers have been with Angelo de la Cruz, hisfamily, and the Philippines throughout this ordeal. We are glad tohear President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo's announcement that he has been released. We condemn the targeting of innocent civilians such as Angelo de la Cruz," the ABS-CBN news channel Wednesday quoted the US Embassy in Manila as saying in a statement.

    The statement, however, did not send any congratulatory messageto Arroyo, apparently maintaining the US policy against countries giving in to terrorist demands.

    The US Embassy earlier expressed its "disappointment" over the government's announcement to withdraw the Philippine humanitarian troops from Iraq.

    US Ambassador to Manila Francis Ricciardone, however, reiterated last week its close ties with the Philippines despite the government's decision to withdraw troops from Iraq.

    The United States, which led the war against Iraq last year, has said its coalition remains strong despite that the Philippinesdecided to pull out its humanitarian contingent from Iraq after Spain, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras.

    "It is regrettable we lose a member of the coalition and regrettable countries are making decisions that would appear to beappeasing terrorists as opposed to standing up to them," US General John Abizaid, commander of US troops in the Middle East and Afghanistan, told reporters.

    The Philippine team began evacuation last week, starting with the withdrawal of eight policemen followed by another 11 members. A complete withdrawal was made on Monday. Enditem