2 Filipinos killed in Iraq attack
MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- A mortar attack on a U.S. air base in northern Iraq has killed two Filipino civilian contractors, a spokesman for Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said.
The attack took place Tuesday night at the Balad air base north of Baghdad, spokesman Ignacio Bunye said.
He said Arroyo has extended her condolences to the families of those killed.
Manila would review the safety of 3,000 Filipino civilians currently working in Iraq in the wake of the deaths, Arroyo said in a statement.
"If they cannot be adequately secured, they must be transferred or evacuated to other areas," Arroyo said.
"We cannot allow Filipino lives to be placed at wanton risk in a situation where unpredictable attacks are rife."
The Philippines -- a strong ally of the United States -- also has around 100 police, soldiers and medical personnel in Iraq.
A truck driver became the first Filipino casualty in Iraq when he was killed by attackers as he traveled with other foreigners last month.
About a tenth of the Philippines' population -- approximately eight million -- work overseas, many as nurses, domestic helpers and construction workers.
