Senate President Chiz Escudero commended the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for providing assistance to 20 Filipinos who were arrested in Qatar for taking part in an unauthorized political demonstration.
According to Escudero, the swift action by DFA and DMW officials has led to the release from detention of four Filipinos, including three minors, who participated in a political demonstration in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte that coincided with the latter’s 80th birthday recently.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga kawani ng gobyerno, lalo na sa mga naka-destino sa ating embahada sa Qatar, sa mabilis na pag-asikaso sa ating mga kababayan na nadawit sa problemang legal nitong nakaraang Biyernes,” the veteran legislator said.
“Sa serbisyo publiko, dapat talaga ay walang bahid pulitika, at pinatunayan ito ng mga kawani natin sa embahada,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo Vega has reported that one of the 20 held by the Qatari authorities was released through the intervention of the Philippine Embassy in Doha.
“The country’s labor attaché in Qatar, who is also a lawyer, is providing legal assistance to the detained Filipinos.”
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said that the country’s labor attaché in Qatar, who is also a lawyer, is providing legal assistance to the detained Filipinos.
The Senate chief said he expects Philippine authorities to work for the release of the rest of the Filipinos held in detention in connection with the political demonstration and extend all help and legal assistance as necessary.
He also took the opportunity to remind Filipinos in Qatar, as well as those working overseas, to observe the laws of their host countries to avoid legal woes.
“Pinaaalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan na sumunod lagi sa mga batas at patakaran ng mga bansang kanilang kinaroroonan.”
“Pinaaalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan na sumunod lagi sa mga batas at patakaran ng mga bansang kanilang kinaroroonan. Gayunpaman, ang mahalaga ay sila ay mapalaya sa mas madaling panahon. Para sa akin ay sapat na ang kanilang naranasan bilang leksyon ukol sa bagay na ito,” Escudero stressed.
In Qatar, any type of political rally is prohibited and any individual found guilty of violating the law could face imprisonment of up to three years, according to DFA.
