The Philippine government on Sunday assured that it is providing full assistance to the 17 Filipinos arrested in Qatar for allegedly participating in an unauthorized public demonstration.
In a statement, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is in close coordination with Qatari authorities to monitor the case and ensure the well-being of those detained.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier confirmed the group was apprehended at a police station about an hour from Doha after joining a rally in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague over alleged human rights violations during his anti-drug campaign.
The DMW, together with the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Doha, deployed its Labor Attaché to assist the affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) directly at the police station.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac gave his assurance to the OFWs, saying the department is fully committed to their welfare.
“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 said.
He also reminded all OFWs to follow the laws and cultural norms of their host countries—especially regarding public demonstrations and political expression—to avoid similar situations in the future.