Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia alarmed over 'sexy' photo on internet

Thursday, February 23, 2012

A PHOTO of scantily-clad female "model" posted by a member of the Filipino community in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on social media has alarmed Philippine Embassy officials in the Arab nation.

In an advisory posted in its website, the Philippine Embassy said it is inappropriate for such and similar photos to be posted in the social media network knowing that it is from the Filipino community based in the Arab nation.

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"The photo drew negative reactions from locals, and requested the Embassy to remind those concerned to refrain from uploading such material online, as these photos are inconsistent with local customs and cultural sensitivities," said the Embassy.

It said the case was brought to their attention after they received an electronic mail commenting on contents of social media sites particularly on photos uploaded by a Filipino community organization.

The embassy immediately called on Filipinos based in the Saudi Arabia to be more conscious of the local beliefs and traditions by the host country.

"We urge all Filipinos in the Kingdom to be prudent and careful on the nature of photos and videos that they upload on social media sites," said Philippine post officials.

Continuing to do so, the Embassy stressed, could result to possible backlash.

"The Embassy is issuing this Advisory to avoid unnecessary actions that might be taken against any group or individual by local authorities," said the Philippine Embassy.

To note, Saudi has a very conservative culture as it requires women to wear an abaya or a loose-fitting, full-length black cloak covering the entire body as well as to always conceal their hair.

Department of Foreign Affairs records show that there are some 1.2 million Filipinos living and working in Arab country. (AMN/Sunnex)