MANILA, Philippines — In a significant diplomatic situation, the Philippine government is actively responding to the arrest of 20 Filipinos in Qatar for allegedly participating in an unauthorized political demonstration in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The arrests were confirmed on Sunday, March 30, 2025, by Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, who stated that one of the detained individuals was released over the weekend.
Under Qatari law, gatherings without a permit can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to three years. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating closely with Qatari authorities to provide legal assistance and ensure the welfare of those arrested, many of whom are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
According to the DFA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is also monitoring the situation. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac has assured the affected OFWs of the department's ongoing support. “We are here to help,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of respecting local laws and customs to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The arrests coincided with Duterte's 80th birthday on March 28, 2025, when supporters staged rallies both in the Philippines and abroad, calling for his return. The Philippine Embassy in Doha confirmed that several Filipinos were detained for suspected unauthorized political demonstrations on that day.
Overseas Filipino group Migrante Middle East expressed deep concern over the arrests, urging the Marcos administration to provide urgent legal assistance to the detained workers. They emphasized that the focus should be on securing the release of those arrested without political agendas. In a statement, they said, “While we acknowledge that every individual has the right to express their opinions, we emphasize that this should not compromise their safety or jeopardize their employment abroad.”
Labor leader and senatorial candidate Leody de Guzman echoed these sentiments, calling on the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Qatar to do everything possible to assist the detained Filipinos. “Though we may have different perspectives on Duterte, they are Filipino workers who must be protected by our government,” he said, highlighting the importance of government support for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
In a related development, three Filipino minors who were also detained for participating in the same political demonstration have been released, according to Undersecretary De Vega. He clarified that their arrest was not related to visa issues but was solely due to their involvement in the political rally, which authorities classified as unauthorized.
“They weren’t arrested because they didn’t have a visa. It was really about the political demonstration of the OFWs in Qatar,” De Vega explained, dispelling misinformation that suggested otherwise. He described the gathering as intended to show support for Duterte, although it was perceived differently under Qatari law.
Despite the release of the minors, their mother and 16 other Filipinos remain in police custody. The Philippine government is actively negotiating for their release, with hopes that they will be freed soon, potentially without facing legal charges. De Vega expressed optimism, stating, “We’re hopeful that they will be released next week or so. If there is a case against them, we will provide legal counsel.”
He also reminded Filipinos in Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries to avoid political gatherings to prevent legal consequences. “This is a good warning for Filipinos in Qatar or other countries in the Middle East to not join,” he said, emphasizing that expressing opinions should be done safely and legally.
On Monday, March 31, 2025, Malacañang reiterated its commitment to assist the arrested Filipinos. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro stated during a press briefing, "It is the obligation of the government [to protect] Filipinos whatever their political color is. We don't discriminate; as long as they are Filipinos, the government will help them."
Castro confirmed that the Philippine Embassy in Qatar had dispatched a labor attache, who is also a lawyer, to assist those detained. De Vega clarified that 20 Filipinos were arrested, not 17 as previously reported, and that the rally may have been held in opposition to Duterte's arrest due to charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court.
As the situation develops, it remains crucial for the Philippine government to navigate these diplomatic waters carefully, balancing the rights of its citizens abroad with the legal frameworks of host nations. The ongoing support for the detained Filipinos reflects the administration's commitment to its citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
In summary, the arrests highlight the complexities faced by overseas workers in politically sensitive situations and the importance of understanding local laws. The Philippine government is working diligently to ensure the safety and rights of its citizens while navigating the challenges posed by international law and diplomatic relations.
