Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac speaks with members of the media during the Saturday News Forum on January 18, 2025. Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippines’ Embassy in Doha to provide legal aid to Filipinos arrested in Qatar last March 28.
“The president’s directive continues to be implemented, ensuring that a legal counsel is provided to offer the necessary legal assistance to the 17 individuals who are still under investigation,” DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said in Filipino at a press briefing on Thursday.
Welfare checks are also being provided to the arrested Filipinos.
“We want to know for sure if our 17 kababayans are medically safe, are in good physical condition. In fact, one of the things that we will do under the leadership of Ambassador Melicor, our labor attaché, we’ll bring in medical help and assistance to check on the 17,” Cacdac said.
READ: Filipinos detained in Qatar over ‘unauthorized’ March 28 protest
Twenty Filipinos in Qatar were arrested and detained for holding a rally without a permit last March 28.
They held a rally to mark the 80th birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was ordered detained by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s drug war.
Of the 20 arrested Filipinos, 12 were men, five were women, and three were minors who have since been released. The remaining 17 were granted provisional release but with pending investigation.
Should the 17 be found guilty of unauthorized protest, they may face imprisonment of six months to three years, and a fine of 10,000 QAR (around P150,000) to 50,000 QAR (around P790,000). — Keith Irish Margareth Clores, INQUIRER.net intern