The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirmed on Saturday that it is ready to assist the 17 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar who were detained for participating in an illegal rally, in case they face deportation.
In a phone interview with DZRH, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega explained that Qatar’s legal system requires local police to complete their investigation before the arrested individuals can meet their lawyers.
"Kunwari sa Pilipinas, anytime na may arestado at humingi ng abogado, kailangan bigyan ng abogado mismo kahit wala pang charges o sa korte. So, hindi ganoon sa Qatar. Wala pa iyong lawyer sa harap nila, pero ipo-provide sa kanila iyon. Tapos, at sana ay hindi ma-deport at wala pa namang dini-deport dahil diyan," said De Vega.
"Kung ide-deport at kailangan ng tulong, ay puwede nating bayaran ang ticket nila kung hindi babayaran ng Qatar," he added.
While assuring assistance to the detained Filipinos, De Vega emphasized that the Philippine Embassy in Qatar had already reminded Filipinos as early as March 13 that rallies are strictly prohibited in the country.
"Hindi dahil sa ayaw namin kayong mag-rally para bigyan ng suporta ang dating Pangulo, hindi dahil doon. Bawal iyon sa Qatar at wala tayo sa Pilipinas. Kung sa ibang bansa, kailangan nating sundin ang kanilang mga patakaran doon," said De Vega.
The Philippine Embassy in Qatar earlier confirmed that several Filipinos were arrested on Friday for “suspected unauthorized political demonstrations,” which coincided with former President Rodrigo Duterte's 80th birthday.
"The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Doha is aware that several Filipino nationals have been arrested and detained early today, March 28, 2025, for suspected unauthorized political demonstrations in Qatar," the embassy said in a statement.
According to De Vega, seven Filipinos were initially arrested at a resort 50 kilometers from Doha but were later released as they had not yet participated in the rally. However, those who had already gathered to protest were taken into police custody.
He added that through discussions with Qatari authorities, the detained Filipinos would likely be released within a maximum of one week.
"May abogado naman sila. Maaari, pero iyon na lang, kasi hindi naman major crime, hindi naman death penalty na ganoon," said the undersecretary.
