17 Filipinos detained in Qatar over political demonstration

Several Filipinos are being held at a police station in Qatar for participating in “unauthorized political demonstrations,” according to the Philippine Embassy in Qatar on 28 March. 

In a statement on 29 March by the Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega said 17 Filipinos took part in the protest, which took place about an hour outside the capital, Doha.

De Vega sees that the political demonstration may have been linked to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, on charges of crimes against humanity.

"We also know that it was the former president's birthday, which is likely why they were holding the rally," he said.

In a text message, he stated that it still unconfirmed whether the 17 Filipinos are Qatar residents or overseas Filipino workers, but he noted that all of them are based in the country. 

He also noted that officials are on their way to Qatar to coordinate with local authorities. De Vega added that the DFA has lawyers in countries, including Qatar, available to assist them, but noted the differences in legal procedures.

"Sometimes, authorities do not allow embassy representatives to intervene until the investigation is complete. But in many cases, if the offense is minor, they may detain them for a few days before releasing them,” De Vega said.

While the DFA is not preventing Filipinos from exercising their rights, De Vega reminded them to avoid participating in political protests, as such actions could lead to their arrest.