MANILA, Philippines — A total of 20 Filipino workers were arrested in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized political protest supporting detained former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines. As of April 1, 2025, three minors have been released, but 16 others remain in police custody.
Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega reported on Monday that the three teenagers, who were among those detained, have been released, while their mother continues to be held by authorities. The arrests occurred on March 28, coinciding with Duterte's 80th birthday, when supporters rallied both locally and internationally.
De Vega explained that the detainees were apprehended due to their participation in what Qatari authorities perceived as a political demonstration, which is illegal in the Gulf state. "Now, we know they were just indicating their support for the former president. And I think they were harmless. It was more like a picnic gathering. However, they had T-shirts, placards, or something similar, which is why they were arrested," he said.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Mardomel Melicor, bail does not apply in Doha, and the detainees will be held until investigations are completed. De Vega noted that authorities are questioning the detainees about their intentions, specifically whether they aimed to disrupt Qatar, embarrass the country, or damage relations with the Philippines.
The female demonstrators were questioned over the weekend, while the male protesters were set to undergo police interrogation on Monday evening. The process may take longer than usual due to Ramadan, which shortens work hours in Muslim countries.
De Vega expressed hope that the detainees would be released soon, stating, "Maybe if they are convinced that this is just harmless demonstration as a support for a former president, we hope they will be released." He emphasized that there would be no repatriations while the individuals remain in custody, as the embassy is focused on securing their release.
If charges are filed against the remaining detainees, they could face up to three years in detention. The Philippine government is prepared to provide legal assistance if needed, with the embassy working through lawyers and consuls to negotiate with Qatari authorities.
While the Philippine government continues to provide support to Duterte, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity during his controversial drug war, De Vega urged Filipinos in Qatar to respect local laws. He reminded them that political gatherings are prohibited and warned against participating in unauthorized demonstrations.
"The situation in the Middle East is different. You’re not in the Philippines, and we know that there are emotional issues involved. But you’re there to work and not to lose your job for yourself and your family," he said.
The Philippine Embassy in Qatar has also stated that Filipinos wishing to express their political views should consider registering for absentee voting instead. De Vega stated, "That’s one way you can express your feelings as Filipino citizens—without imprisonment or arrest—because political rallies in the Middle East are reportedly prohibited. That’s how it is. We must respect the rules of the local government."
In light of these events, it is crucial to note that Qatar has a history of restricting freedom of expression. An Amnesty International report from 2023 criticized the Gulf nation for silencing critical voices and highlighted the various abuses faced by foreign workers, including wage theft and forced labor.
Qatar expert Dr. Ariel Admoni noted that while the country attempts to present itself as a friendly actor in the West, the reality is starkly different. "Qatar is still a dictatorship," he said. "This means frequent arrests without due judicial process, crackdown against non-authorized gatherings, and more." He explained that the authorities fear unrest among foreign workers, which could have ripple effects, making the Filipino protests particularly concerning from their perspective.
As the situation develops, the Philippine government remains committed to assisting the detained workers while navigating the complex legal landscape in Qatar. The embassy continues to work diligently to secure their release and ensure that all involved are aware of the local laws and regulations regarding political expression.
In summary, the incident serves as a stark reminder for Filipinos abroad about the importance of understanding and adhering to the laws of their host countries. With political gatherings banned in Qatar, the Philippine government encourages its citizens to find alternative ways to express their political opinions without risking their safety or freedom.
