BAGHDAD, July 18 (AFP) - The Philippine embassy in Baghdad is under siege by a small group of frazzled journalists hoping to catch a glimpse of a hostage truck driver who may be released and appear at any time.
"I think it's him, look he has arrived," cries an enthusiastic cameraman rushing towards a silver-grey Mercedes as it purrs through the gates of the compound, only to be disappointed.
The photo journalist along with a modest pack of news hounds has spent the past four days waiting in vain under a merciless sun for the world-famous Filipino truck driver Angelo de la Cruz to be set free by his Islamic captors who have threatened to behead him unless Manila withdraws its troops from Iraq.
Squatting in the heat on a diet of rumour and speculation that the father of eight will be released, the journalists hold vigil from dawn until dusk.
The door of the Mercedes opens, a senior Philippine diplomat emerges alone and is immediately pounced on by the media desperate for some news on the hostage drama that has gripped the Philippines and captivated the world.
"I don't know. I don't know," says the official looking as tired and disappointed as the reporters crowding around him.
A security guard prevents further interrogation and the official makes a hasty dash for the embassy, the gates shutting firmly behind him, leaving the press pack to return to their hot car seats or small spots of shade outside.
"I have been waiting for the last four days as it is the first time in this war that one of the coalition members has succumbed to the kidnappers' demands and decided to withdraw forces," said one reporter, explaining his persistence.
"In return for pulling out troops, the kidnappers will release Angelo and he is expected to show up anytime, but where is he?"
Expectations of an imminent release heightened after Al-Jazeera television aired footage of the hostage alive, urging his government to withdraw its handful of troops from the country in keeping with the kidnappers' demands -- a request Manila is meeting.
But as the hours pass by, no fresh information becomes available and hopes of a hasty resolution among the press core dwindle until the only person profiting from the situation around the embassy is a local kebab vendor.
"Come on friends. One hamburger for just 1,000 dinars (0.7 dollars). It's delicious and at least you are assured of it, if not the hostage," says 17-year-old Abbas who sells lamb kebabs nearby.
In their most recent video, the kidnappers warned they would only release de la Cruz once Manila completes the withdrawal of its 51 soldiers and police officers by the end of the month -- 20 days earlier than the Philippine mission was due to last but, for the waiting journalists, still two weeks away.