MANILA – The Philippine government has secured the provisional release of 17 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrested and detained in Qatar for illegal protest during the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that upon learning of the incident, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. immediately ordered the DMW, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine Embassy in Doha to provide legal and welfare aid.
“Based on the President’s directive to secure the immediate release of the 17 who are still detained, the Qatari authorities in two separate batches – the males at around 2:30 a.m. Qatari time, and the females around 4 a.m. Qatari time, were provisionally released pending investigation,” Cacdac said in a briefing at the Malacañang Palace.
Cacdac said around 20 OFWs were arrested in a resort in Doha at around 10.30 p.m. on March 27, including three minors, who were released earlier in the week.
Cacdac, however, stated that while they have regained their liberty, the 17 OFWs remain under investigation and are prohibited from leaving Qatar until the case is resolved.
He further said that no formal charges have been filed so far against the OFWs, and the Philippine government would continue providing legal support should the case proceed further.
“Pending investigation, they are able to all go home, to their respective homes in Qatar, in Doha and able — yes, able to spend time for themselves and their loved ones. But at the same time, since they are still subject to investigation, patuloy iyong pinag-utos ng ating Pangulo na legal assistance, legal counsel who will provide the necessary legal assistance to the 17 who are still under investigation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cacdac reminded all OFWs to strictly observe host country laws, especially those governing public gatherings./PN
