THE 17 Filipinos detained in Qatar over an alleged illegal assembly have been released, and the charges against them were “dismissed,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Monday, April 7, 2025.
In a press conference, Castro said Qatari Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmed Saad Al-Homidi informed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. about the release of the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) as well as the dismissal of charges against them in a meeting this morning.
“Ayon kay Ambassador Al-Homidi ito daw ay reflection ng maganda at matatag na pagkakaibigan ng dalawang bansa,” said Castro.
(According to Ambassador Al-Homidi, this is a reflection of the strong and lasting friendship between the two countries.)
“Ang pagpapalaya ay bunsod ng utos ng Pangulong Marcos sa DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) na tulungang makalaya ang ang 17 na OFW,” she added.
(The release was due to President Marcos' order to the DMW to assist in the freedom of the 17 OFWs.)
Castro said the 17 Filipinos may opt to go back to their respective work and resume their normal lives or return to the Philippines.
In a statement on April 3, the DMW said no charges were filed against the 17 Filipinos detained after staging a demonstration against what they claimed was the “unlawful” arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid its ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity during the implementation of his drug war.
However, the agency said the 17 OFWs are still subject to investigation for illegal assembly and gathering without a permit, which can lead to six months to three years imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 Qatari riyals.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reminded all OFWs in various parts of the world to respect and follow the laws, rules, and regulations, processes and protocols of their host country.
“Paalala po sa ating mga kababayan na sundin ang batas ng host countries. Maaaring sa Qatar, aresto ang kinaratnan. But remember, hindi kailangang may pag aresto para sumunod sa batas,” Cacdac said.
(A reminder to our fellow Filipinos to follow the laws of the host countries. In Qatar, one may end up arrested. But remember, arrest is not necessary to obey the law.) (TPM/SunStar Philippines)