The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are tracking reports that Filipino nationals are among 25 foreign nationals arrested by UAE authorities for posting and sharing online content connected to recent missile attacks and air defence interceptions across the country.
Philippine officials have reached out to UAE authorities seeking formal confirmation of the identities, legal status, and circumstances of any Filipinos caught up in the arrests. The UAE Attorney-General earlier ordered the detention of the group — which includes two Filipinas — on charges of spreading misleading content and glorifying military aggression against the state on digital platforms.
UAE authorities have made clear that filming or circulating footage of air defence activity, sharing AI-generated security content, or promoting the actions of a hostile state online constitutes a criminal offence carrying imprisonment and significant financial penalties.
The Embassy and Consulate General said they fully respect the UAE’s authority to enforce its national security and cybercrime laws, and urged Filipinos in the country to exercise strict caution on social media and messaging applications. Officials specifically advised the community against recording, posting, forwarding, or commenting on unverified security-related material, and warned against spreading rumours or speculation — directing Filipinos instead to rely on official UAE announcements and established news outlets.
Both diplomatic posts said they will maintain active coordination with UAE authorities as the situation develops.
