DFA, PH embassy urged to aid release of detained Qatar OFWs

DFA logo and building facade. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Labor leader Leody de Guzman, a senatorial candidate, on Saturday called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Qatar to aid in securing the release of Filipinos detained there.

“I am calling on the Philippine Consulate in Qatar and the DFA to do everything to help and release the detained OFWs [overseas Filipino Workers] for holding a rally,” de Guzman said in Filipino in a statement.

The Philippine Embassy in Qatar said that several Filipinos were arrested and detained on Friday “for suspected unauthorized political demonstrations in Qatar.”

While the embassy did not provide other details on the arrest, the conduct of political protest coincided with the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Many supporters simultaneously held birthday gatherings around the world to celebrate Duterte’s birthday.

De Guzman, a staunch critic of Duterte, said that the arrested Filipinos deserve assistance from the government.

“Though we may have different perspectives on Duterte, they are Filipino workers that must be protected by our government,” he said.

On Friday, the embassy said that it was coordinating with local authorities “for provision of necessary consular assistance to said nationals.”

It earlier advised Filipinos in Qatar to respect the local laws on holding mass demonstrations and expressions of political grievances.

Duterte is now detained in The Hague, Netherlands, after the International Criminal Court ordered his arrest for alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s drug war.

According to government data, the war on drugs claimed around 6,000 lives, but human rights groups estimate the actual number exceeds 20,000.