Supporters of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte are pushing back against official reports that 20 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were arrested in Qatar for holding an unauthorized political demonstration, claiming instead that the arrests stemmed from the individuals’ lack of proper documentation, particularly the mandatory Qatar ID (QID).
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Qatar earlier confirmed that the arrests occurred on March 28, 2025, stating that the Filipinos were detained for allegedly participating in a political gathering in violation of Qatar’s strict laws on public assembly. Three minors have since been released, while 16 adults remain in custody.
However, Duterte supporters have flooded social media with comments, strongly refuting the official version of events. Some have even resorted to cursing and accusing media platforms of spreading “fake news” when the story was published online.
A viral Facebook post by Romeo Jr. Villegas, who appears to be an OFW in Qatar based on his profile, has become the centerpiece of the counter-narrative. Villegas claims he was present at the location where the arrests occurred and that no political rally ever took place.
“PAWANG KATOTOHANAN LANG! Disregard kung PRO or Anti Duterte tayo. Pero nais ko lang linawin ang mga kumakalat na FAKE NEWS! Andun ako mismo sa venue (Sealine Private Beach Resort) nung nangyari ang paghuli,” Villegas wrote in his now widely circulated post.
He further emphasized that the gathering on March 27 — not March 28 as reported — was merely a “normal night swimming, picnic at family gathering”, which included children.
“Walang rally o political demonstration na ginawa o naganap… maraming mga bata rin na kasama ng mga magulang. Sinong magulang ba ang isasama ang mga anak nila kung alam nilang may rally sa pupuntahan nila?”
According to Villegas, the group of approximately 17 to 20 individuals was allegedly singled out by authorities because they were seen wearing DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporter) shirts, not because they were rallying.
He also addressed the viral “Bring Him Back (FPRRD)” photos circulating online, insisting that these were taken weeks prior and not during the night of the arrests.
“Yong mga kumakalat na mga photos about BRING HIM BACK, (FPRRD), old photos po iyon na mga nakunan 2 weeks before itong nasabing panghuhuli and not during the said night.”
Villegas also disputed claims that the detained OFWs had asked for help from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., pointing out the detainees’ loyalty to Duterte and their lack of access to phones.
“DDS die hard ang mga yon, bat hihingi ng tulong sa taong against nga sila? UNA, nakakulong sila at wala silang hawak na mga cellphone… PANGALAWA, DDS die hard nga.”
He acknowledged that the Philippine Embassy had been proactive in reminding Filipinos in Qatar about local regulations, and reiterated his call to “stop spreading fake news” about the incident.
“So tigilan na po natin ang pagkakalat ng mga fake news about sa nangyari dito nung Thursday night, March 27, 2025… dahil wala kayo sa actual na pangyayari at mismong venue.”
The post has garnered thousands of reactions and shares, sparking intense debates online. While some commenters echo Villegas’ sentiments and criticize the DFA for “misleading” the public, others maintain that the Qatari government’s arrest of undocumented individuals wearing political paraphernalia in a group setting could still be interpreted as a violation of local laws regarding unauthorized gatherings — regardless of intent.
The DFA has not issued a response to Villegas’ claims but has maintained that legal aid is being extended to all affected Filipinos. The Embassy in Qatar, meanwhile, urged Filipinos to always carry their QID and refrain from engaging in activities that could be perceived as political in nature, especially in nations where such expressions are strictly regulated.
