The Philippine government has pledged full assistance to several overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar who were arrested for participating in an unauthorized protest late last week.
In a statement, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is working closely with Qatari authorities to monitor the case and ensure the safety and welfare of the detained Filipinos. The DMW also confirmed that some of those arrested have been identified as documented OFWs.
To aid the affected individuals, the DMW, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Doha, deployed its Labor Attaché—who is also a licensed lawyer—to the police station to provide direct legal and welfare assistance.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac assured the public that the department remains committed to protecting the rights of Filipino workers abroad under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Makasisiguro po kayo na patuloy po ang aming paglilingkod at paghahandog ng tulong at serbisyo… para sa kapakanan at kinabukasan ng ating mga OFWs at ng kanilang mga pamilya,” he said.
The incident took place on March 28 and reportedly coincided with the birthday of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. His global supporters staged gatherings and encouraged a “zero remittance week” in protest of his detention at the International Criminal Court.
As the legal process unfolds in Qatar, Secretary Cacdac also reminded all OFWs to respect the laws and cultural sensitivities of their host countries, especially in matters concerning public protests and political expression.
