Doha, Qatar — 19 Filipinos in Qatar were arrested and detained on March 28, over alleged unauthorized protest during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s birthday.
In a statement on Monday, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Eduardo de Vega said that three of those detained were minors and were already released as of Monday afternoon.
However, their mother and the 15 other Filipinos are still held under investigation by the Qatari authorities.
On Sunday, DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Qatar confirmed that there were Overseas Filipinos that were arrested last week due to suspected illegal protest and political demonstrations in the host country.
Under Qatari Law No.18 of 2004, unauthorized gatherings, protests, and similar demonstrations are prohibited without permit or consent from the government.
De Vega said that the women involved were questioned over the weekend, while men were put under interrogation on Monday.
If the investigation proves that the involved Filipinos have violated local laws and if they will be charged in connection to this, they may face up to three years of detention.
DFA seeks resolution of the case, and the Filipinos release soon, they are also hoping that they can return to their works in the host country without the risk of deportation.
DFA and the Embassy of the Philippines in Qatar are coordinating with the local authorities and the Filipinos involved to ensure their welfare and provide them necessary assistance.
The Department of Migrant Workers earlier announced that they had sent a lawyer that will serve as the leag counsel of the involved Filipinos.
Following this, Filipino foreign affairs agencies have reminded Filipinos to adhere and comply with the laws and regulations set by the host countries to avoid any similar incidents.
While De Vega understands that Filipino supporters may be emotional, he encouraged them to express their political views in a more legal way. like registering and casting their votes during the elections.