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Advocates Philippines
17 Pinoy OFWs In Qatar Get Provisional Release-DMW Assures Full Support
Photo credit: DMW
Seventeen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Qatar who were recently arrested for alleged illegal assembly have been provisionally released, according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. The release follows the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to secure their immediate freedom while investigations continue.
Cacdac expressed gratitude to Qatari authorities for allowing the temporary release of the OFWs, emphasizing that legal and welfare assistance will be provided throughout the process.
No Charges Yet, But Investigation Ongoing
As of now, no formal charges have been filed against the 17 Filipinos. However, they remain under investigation for allegedly gathering without a permit—an offense in Qatar that carries a potential penalty of six months to three years in prison and a fine ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 Qatari riyals.
“We’re very, very thankful to the Qatari authorities for allowing this provisional release. Rest assured, as directed by the President, we will continue to provide legal and welfare assistance to our OFWs,” Cacdac said.
OFWs Given Time to Recover, Families Notified
For now, the focus is on the well-being of the 17 OFWs. They have been given time to rest and communicate with their families, while Philippine officials, including Ambassador Mardomel Celo Melicor and Labor Attaché Edward Ferrer, prepare their legal defense.
Cacdac also reminded all OFWs worldwide to respect the laws of their host countries to avoid legal trouble.
“Paalala po sa ating mga kababayan, sundin po natin ang mga batas sa ating host countries. Hindi kailangang may pag-aresto para sumunod sa batas,” he said.
DMW, Embassy Ready to Assist
The Migrant Workers Office in Doha, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy, is actively working to ensure that the employment status of the OFWs remains secure.
“This shows how much we care for our OFWs. The President always reminds us to protect and support them, especially in times of great need,” Cacdac added.
The situation remains under close monitoring, with the Philippine government committed to safeguarding the welfare of the affected OFWs.
Cacdac expressed gratitude to Qatari authorities for allowing the temporary release of the OFWs, emphasizing that legal and welfare assistance will be provided throughout the process.
No Charges Yet, But Investigation Ongoing
As of now, no formal charges have been filed against the 17 Filipinos. However, they remain under investigation for allegedly gathering without a permit—an offense in Qatar that carries a potential penalty of six months to three years in prison and a fine ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 Qatari riyals.
“We’re very, very thankful to the Qatari authorities for allowing this provisional release. Rest assured, as directed by the President, we will continue to provide legal and welfare assistance to our OFWs,” Cacdac said.
OFWs Given Time to Recover, Families Notified
For now, the focus is on the well-being of the 17 OFWs. They have been given time to rest and communicate with their families, while Philippine officials, including Ambassador Mardomel Celo Melicor and Labor Attaché Edward Ferrer, prepare their legal defense.
Cacdac also reminded all OFWs worldwide to respect the laws of their host countries to avoid legal trouble.
“Paalala po sa ating mga kababayan, sundin po natin ang mga batas sa ating host countries. Hindi kailangang may pag-aresto para sumunod sa batas,” he said.
DMW, Embassy Ready to Assist
The Migrant Workers Office in Doha, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy, is actively working to ensure that the employment status of the OFWs remains secure.
“This shows how much we care for our OFWs. The President always reminds us to protect and support them, especially in times of great need,” Cacdac added.
The situation remains under close monitoring, with the Philippine government committed to safeguarding the welfare of the affected OFWs.
Apr 3, 2025
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