MANILA – The government would extend assistance to Filipinos arrested for holding a political demonstration during the birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte in Qatar Friday last week.
According to Presidential Communication Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro, the administration would not abandon the Filipinos arrested even if they are supporters of the Dutertes.
“Obligasyon pa rin po ng ating pamahalaan, ng ating administrasyon ang mga Pilipino, wala po tayong sini-sino, wala po tayong diskriminasyon patungkol po diyan. Basta po kapwa Pilipino, tutulungan po ‘yan ng administrasyon,” Castro said in a media briefing at the Palace.
Department of Foreign Affairs’ Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said 20 Filipinos were arrested for holding a political demonstration in Qatar, contrary to his earlier statement that only 17 Filipinos were apprehended.
De Vega had said the arrested Filipinos participated in a rally which may have been held to oppose the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte due to crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court.
“The embassy has already issued an advisory stating that all forms of political rallies are prohibited in Qatar – even if they are unrelated to Qatari affairs,” De Vega said in a radio interview over the weekend.
“In this case, the rally was about the former president Duterte,” added De Vega. “In many cases, if the individuals are deemed harmless, they are usually detained for a few days and then released,” De Vega said.
De Vega, however, stated that if charges are filed against the arrested Filipinos, the Philippine Embassy in Qatar will give them legal assistance since they may be imprisoned for three years./PN
