Qatar grants provisional release to 17 detained OFWs — DMW

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Qatari authorities have granted the provisional release of the 17 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were detained for alleged unauthorized mass protest in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Thursday.

In a briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sought to secure the “immediate release” of the detained OFWs but only a provisional release was approved by Qatar.

“Provisional liberty is still liberty, that’s according to the president,” Cacdac said, thanking the Qatari government.

A provisional release only allows the OFWs — 12 males, five females, and three minors — freedom within Qatar until their case reaches final judgement. Travel outside the Middle Eastern country is prohibited until the investigation is concluded.

The OFWs are facing allegations of illegal assembly without permit and disturbance to public security for conducting a protest in support of Duterte, who is under International Criminal Court custody as he faces trial for crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s drug war.

If found guilty, Cacdac said the OFWs are looking at six months to three years imprisonment or bail of 10,000 Qatari Riyal or roughly ₱158,000 depending on the decision of the Qatar courts.

The Migrant Workers chief assured the OFWs that the department has sent its legal counsel to defend them against Qatari authorities.

Cacdac again reminded all OFWs to respect the laws of their host countries.

“Hindi kailangan magkaron ng aresto para sumunod sa batas ng host country (There doesn’t have to be an arrest for them to follow the laws of a host country),” he said.

Under Qatar's Law No. 18 of 2004, protests and demonstrations are deemed illegal unless approved by the government.