A Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said 19 of the 20 Filipinos arrested in Qatar for holding an unauthorized political demonstration on Friday, March 28, are still under police custody.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega clarified that 20 Filipinos were arrested and not 17, as earlier reported.

"May isang na-release. Napayagan na makausap sila (One was already released. We were allowed to talk to them)," he said on Sunday, March 30.

"Sinusubukan nating ma-release sila (We're trying to get all of them released)," he added.

The Philippine Embassy in Qatar reported on Friday evening that several Filipinos were arrested there for "suspected unauthorized political demonstrations."

De Vega said that the arrested Filipinos might have participated in a rally opposing the arrest and surrender of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Duterte, who turned 80 on March 28, is under ICC custody in The Hague in The Netherlands for crimes against humanity for the killings during his drug war.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Qatar had reiterated its warning to Filipinos in the Middle Eastern nation against holding demonstrations.

"The Philippine Embassy in Doha strongly advises all Filipino nationals in the State of Qatar to respect local laws and customs relating to mass demonstrations and expressions of political grievances," it said.

Don't meddle in ICC case

Duterte urged his supporters not to interfere in his case before the ICC, Vice President Sara Duterte said.

Speaking on behalf of her father, the Vice President said the older Duterte had conveyed this statement to his lawyer as she could not meet him on Friday, March 28, for his birthday as this date was reserved for her sister Veronica and the latter's mother Cielito "Honeylet" Avanceña.

"Sinabi niya na huwag tayo makialam sa kanyang kaso sa International Criminal Court (He asked us not to interfere in his case before the ICC)," she said.

The arrested former president said his legal team and the court should handle the proceedings without outside influence. He likewise advised his supporters not to discuss the case publicly.

"Kung gusto ninyo ipahayag ang inyong pagsuporta... ang inyong galit na nararamdaman o kung kasiyahan... sabi niya, huwag natin pag-usapan ang kaso (If you want to express your support, anger, or happiness, he said we should not talk about the case)," the Vice President said.

"Lalong-lalo na pagdating sa mga complainants o reklamo na nandyan sa loob sa International Criminal Court (Especially when it comes to the complainants or complaints filed before the ICC)," she added.

Instead, the former president asked his supporters to support the PDP-Laban senatorial candidates and guest candidates for the upcoming May elections.

Vice President Duterte revealed that her father had planned several campaign rallies for these candidates prior to his arrest and subsequent surrender to the ICC on March 11.

"Sinabi niya, ipaabot sa inyo na kailangan niya ang tulong (He said to let you know that he needs your help)," she said, noting that Duterte could no longer campaign for his candidates.

White Ribbon campaign

Bayan Muna Party-list launched over the weekend the "White Ribbon: Duterte Panagutin" campaign, a movement to seek justice for the victims of Duterte's brutal "war on drugs" and extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

"This is not just about seeking justice for the victims but also about ensuring that such atrocities never happen again," said former Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares.

"Ang kampanyang ito ay hindi lamang para sa katarungan ng mga biktima kundi para rin sa pangangalaga ng ating hinaharap laban sa karahasan at katiwalian (This campaign is not only about seeking justice for the victims but also to protect our future against violence and corruption)," he added.

The campaign, officially launched during Duterte’s 80's birthday last March 28, aims to mobilize widespread support in holding him accountable for the lives lost under his administration. 

"We are asking people from all over the country to make their own white ribbon and wear it as a symbol of their sentiments to stand with the victims. Aside from these white ribbons, pins, and stickers will be distributed in communities, schools, and churches. Supporters are also encouraged to change their profile pictures and cover photos to the campaign logo," Colmenares said.

The lawyer added, "It is crucial that we stand together and demand accountability for the victims who never received justice."

Colmenares emphasized the importance of unity in seeking justice and standing with the victims of human rights abuses, as he urged the public to actively participate in this campaign for accountability and respect for human rights. (With a report from Ellson Quismorio)