Following successful diplomatic efforts to secure the release of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to provide immediate legal assistance to Filipinos facing criminal charges in China and South Korea.

The Marcos administration reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of OFWs amid reports that 20 Filipino seafarers are under investigation for allegedly smuggling over 50 boxes of suspected cocaine from South America into East Asia.

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the Filipino crew members are suspected of involvement in the international drug operation spanning China and South Korea.

“This is already included in the investigation—who may be involved, if any of the crew members are included, what the details are, where they were or their locations, and the involvement of each crew member on board,” Cacdac said in an interview.

“But as of now, of course, they are entitled to their defense, to be presumed innocent. We are providing the necessary legal counsel in tandem with the one provided by the ship owner,” he added, assuring that those implicated will receive proper legal support from the Philippine government.

Meanwhile, tensions with China have risen following the arrest of three Filipinos accused by Chinese authorities of espionage.

Beijing claims the trio was working with Philippine intelligence to gather sensitive information on its military.

Marcos has ordered that all necessary assistance be extended to the three detainees.

Malacañang declined to comment on allegations that the arrests may be retaliatory after Manila’s recent crackdown on suspected Chinese spies operating in the Philippines.

“There is always an instruction to help our Filipino citizens abroad facing these kinds of charges. Legal assistance will always be given, all the necessary help and assistance will be provided,” said Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Palace press office.

The National Security Council (NSC) acknowledged the possibility that China’s move may be a tit-for-tat response to recent espionage-related arrests involving Chinese nationals in the Philippines.

Marcos assured the public that the government will exhaust necessary resources to assist the embattled Filipinos abroad and ensure they receive the support they need.