MANILA, July 27 (Xinhuanet) -- An outspoken Philippine lawmaker Tuesday accused Australia of being selfish by criticizing Philippines for the latest threats by a militant group against it, saying that Philippines was sacrificed during World War II (WWII) by the United Sta tes to save Australia and it does not want to be sacrificed this time.

    Senator Joker Arroyo said that a review of history would show that Filipino troops were used and then sacrificed by the US during WWII to "derail Japan's invasion of Australia," from where US established its base and launched counter-offensive against Japan.

    He said that Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, in rebuking the Philippine pullout from Iraq, merely wanted Philippines to "serve as a buffer to Australian lives the second time around."

    "Our brave forces in Bataan and Corregidor held on for five months (during WWII), thus the Japanese southern campaign was derailed and they were able to reach only (Papua-) New Guinea, thus blunting the invasion of Australia," he said.

    He said that the Filippinos suffered tremendous casualties when 100,000 Filipino troops fended off Japanese troops bound for invading Australia.

    Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs maintained on Tuesday its silence over sharp criticism from Australia.

    Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said on Sunday that the Philippines is held responsible for the latest threats against his country.

    A group called Tawhid Islamic Group said in a statement that itwould turn Australia into a "pool of blood" unless Canberra follows the suit of Spain and the Philippines by pulling out troops from Iraq. Enditem