By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Saturday that 17 Filipinos were arrested in Qatar for allegedly participating in an unauthorized political demonstration.
In a radio interview, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said the Filipinos are currently detained at a police station, about an hour away from Doha.
They were apprehended on Friday.
De Vega said it appeared that the 17 joined a rally to voice their support for former president Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court facility in The Hague, Netherlands over alleged human rights violations related to his campaign against illegal drugs.
“The embassy has already issued an advisory stating that all forms of political rallies are prohibited in Qatar — even if they are unrelated to Qatari affairs. In this case, the rally was about the . . . former president Duterte,” De Vega explained in Filipino.
He added that embassy officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities.
Legal assistance is being provided to the detained Filipinos.
However, De Vega said Qatar’s legal system operates differently and authorities may not immediately disclose case details to the embassy while the investigation is ongoing.
“In many cases, if the individuals are deemed harmless, they are usually detained for a few days and then released,” he noted.
The official reminded Filipinos in Qatar to heed all advisories from the Philippine Embassy in Doha to follow local laws related to mass demonstrations and expressions of political grievances. (PNA)
