MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino truck driver released by his kidnappers in Iraq came home to a hero's welcome today, while the U.S. ambassador left for Washington for consultations to re-evaluate U.S.-Philippine relations in the aftermath of the hostage drama.

The Philippine government's decision to withdraw its 51 peacekeepers from Iraq to meet the demands of Angelo dela Cruz's kidnappers won applause back home but angered many of Manila's closest allies, who felt the move put other coalition partners in Iraq at risk.

"I'm very, very happy," a weary dela Cruz told a news conference in Manila today, two days after his release by insurgents. "I want to thank President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and our government for giving value to my life, which I will never forget."

Even as dela Cruz arrived, the U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone left for Washington, embassy spokeswoman Ruth Urry said.

"The ambassador has not been recalled. He is leaving on his own initiative ... for re-evaluation of the U.S.-Philippines relationship," Urry told The Associated Press.

She said Ricciardone also has been asked to return to Washington by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell to "discuss Iraq."