17 OFWs detained in Qatar received provisional release

The Department of Migrant Workers announced on Thursday, April 3, that the 17 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrested in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized protest in support of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte have been granted provisional release.

During a press briefing at the Palace, Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the 17 OFWs were permitted to return to their homes in Qatar. "We're very, very thankful to the Qatari government for allowing the provisional release of the 17 as the investigation proceeds," Cacdac said. However, they are still not allowed to leave the country while the investigation is ongoing.

Upon hearing about the incident, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine Embassy in Doha to intervene and provide the necessary legal and welfare assistance, according to Cacdac. "Based on the President's directive to secure the immediate release of the 17 who are still detained, the Qatari authorities provisionally released them in two separate batches – the males at around 2:30 a.m. Qatari time, and the females around 4 a.m. Qatari time – pending investigation," he said.

Cacdac confirmed that no formal charges have been filed yet and assured that the Philippine government will continue to offer legal support if the case progresses. He also urged Filipinos abroad to faithfully follow the laws and regulations of their host countries