Proclamation No. 680, s. 2004

. Malacanang . Manila BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 680

DECLARING FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2004, AS A DAY OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER FOR THE RELEASE OF ANGELO DELA CRUZ

WHEREAS, the country has just gone through a period of anxiety when Angelo dela Cruz was held captive by Iraqi abductors;

WHEREAS, the Filipino people, united by compassion for an innocent in a world of danger, have demonstrated solidarity and unity in this time of difficulty;

WHEREAS, through the tireless efforts and assistance of various parties, coupled with the overwhelming support and prayers of our people, we were able to secure his liberty; '

WHEREAS, it is a time for sober reflection about the world in which the Filipino people live in and our obligation to our nation and to humanity;

WHEREAS, there is reason to express the nation’s happiness and thanksgiving, tempered by the awareness that the Filipino people live in dangerous times and that we must work to create a more peaceful world; ©

‘NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALBERTO G. ROMULO, Executive Secretary, by order of Her Excellency, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, do hereby proclaim Friday, July 23, 2004, as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer for the release of Angelo dela Cruz.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done, in the City of Manila this 224 day of July in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.

By order the President: MN, bY Lowwk

ALBERTO G. ROMULO Executive Secretary

fy the Executive Secretary:

Senior Deputy Executivé Secretary