The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced the release of 17 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were arrested by authorities in Qatar for participating in a political demonstration.

In a press briefing at Malacañang, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported that the Filipino workers were given provisional release while the investigation is ongoing.

"With gladness, we report today, of course based on the President’s directive to secure the immediate release of 17 who are still detained," said Cacdac.

"The Qatari authorities in two separate batches, the males at around 2:30 am (Qatari time) and the females around 4 am (Qatari time) were provisionally released pending investigation," he added.

Cacdac also assured that legal assistance will be provided to the Filipinos, even though they have not yet faced formal charges.

The 17 individuals were detained on March 28 for participating in unauthorized political demonstrations, which coincided with the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte.