Several Filipinos in Kuwait were hurt after an allegedly intentional hit-and-run incident in the Gulf nation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Saturday, May 27.
According to DFA, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait already checked on the condition of those injured to provide them with necessary assistance, while their friends and families were already contacted.
They were also given legal retainer for the proper disposal of charges, DFA added.
The agency's confirmation came after local media reported that a Kuwaiti motorist drove into some 15 Filipino cyclists who were traversing a main road early Friday morning.
Citing a statement from the Interior Ministry of Kuwait, state-run news agency KUNA said that the cyclists were cycling "without a permit" necessary to escort them to ensure their safety.
The perpetrator already surrendered to Kuwaiti authorities, the DFA said.
The incident came as relations between the Philippines and Kuwait were marred by the recent suspension by the Kuwait government of new visas of Filipinos entering the Gulf nation.
In taking the decision, Kuwait said the Philippines violated their local law by providing shelters for runaway migrant workers.
The Philippines recently imposed a deployment ban on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after the killing of Jullebee Ranara.
For the DFA, "it may be premature to conclude that the perpetrator was targetting a specific group of nationals."
"There is need to wait for the result of the investigation," DFA added.