DFA to OFWs: Follow host country rules as Qatar detains 16 Filipinos

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government reminded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to follow rules in their host countries when expressing political views in public in light of the arrest of 19 Filipinos in Qatar involved in political demonstrations.

In a press briefing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduard de Vega said three children taken into custody have been released, while 16 remain under police custody.

"Ang gusto natin ay mapalaya, bumalik na sa trabaho. Yun ang pinagtatrabaho ng embassy. So we are hoping for the best," said De Vega.

[Translation: What we want is for them to be free and return to work. That is what the embassy is working on. So we are hoping for the best.]

De Vega denied claims that the Philippine embassy played a role in the arrest due to the workers’ support for former President Rodrigo Duterte who is detained in The Hague. Netherlands. He added that the arrest was unrelated to visa issues.

"Na-aresto sila dahil nagpa-participate sila sa political demonstration or what the Qataris think of as a political demonstration. Now we know they were just indicating their support for the former president and they were, I think they were harmless," said De Vega.

[Translation: They were arrested because they participated in a political demonstration or what the Qataris perceived as a political demonstration. Now, we know they were simply expressing their support for the former president, and I think they were harmless]

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working to appeal their release.

"Our embassy is trying to work through our lawyers or through our counsels there to convince the authorities to just let them go already, maybe with a fine or what," he added.

De Vega also issued a reminder to OFWs in countries with strict laws on public demonstrations.

"A good warning para mga kababayan sa Qatar o ibang mga bansa sa Middle East na huwag maghilahok. Hindi sila in-arrest doon dahil walang visa. Wala. Hindi yun ang dahilan. It was really about the political demonstration. Lastly po, kung gusto nyo magpahiwatig ng inyong mga paniwalang ng politika or yung mga political views ninyo, well, may halalan," he said.

[Translation: This serves as a warning to our fellow Filipinos in Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries not to participate in such activities. They were not arrested because of visa issues. That was not the reason. It was really about the political demonstration. Lastly, if you want to express your political beliefs or views, well, there is an election.]

Qatar law

Qatar strictly regulates public demonstrations and political activities. Local law states that public gatherings and protests require prior approval from the Ministry of Interior. Unauthorized demonstrations can lead to arrests, fines, and deportation, especially for non-citizens.

According to the 2004 law on public meetings and demonstrations, persons must obtain a permit from the government before holding any political gathering.

Foreign nationals, including OFWs, are generally discouraged from participating in political activities, as it may be deemed a violation of national security laws.

The DFA has reiterated its advisory for Filipinos abroad to be aware of and comply with the laws of their host countries to avoid legal repercussions.