Philippines assists 17 Filipinos arrested in Qatar over unauthorized protest

DAVAO CITY — The Philippine government assured the public on Sunday that it was extending assistance to 17 Filipinos arrested in Qatar for allegedly participating in an unauthorized public demonstration on March 28.

A group of supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte were arrested in Qatar for rallying against the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte allegedly without proper authorization from the Qatari government.

Hans Leo Cacdac, Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that it is “closely in touch” with Qatari authorities to monitor the case and ensure the well-being of the detained Filipinos.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) previously confirmed that 17 Filipinos were detained at a police station located about an hour from Doha after joining a rally in support of Duterte.

Duterte is currently detained at an International Criminal Court (ICC) facility in The Hague, Netherlands, over alleged human rights violations related to his anti-illegal drugs campaign.

In response, the DMW, in coordination with the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Doha, deployed its Labor Attaché to the police station to support the affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Cacdac reassured the OFWs of the department’s unwavering support.

“Makasisiguro po kayo na patuloy po ang aming paglilingkod at paghahandog ng tulong at serbisyo sa ilalim ng liderato ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., para sa kapakanan at kinabukasan ng ating mga OFWs at ng kanilang mga pamilya.”

Cacdac also reminded OFWs to always respect the laws and customs of their host countries, particularly regarding public gatherings and the expression of political opinions, to avoid similar incidents in the future.