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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Qatar dismisses charges vs arrested Pinoys, cites its diplomatic ties with PH

Qatar dismisses charges vs arrested Pinoys, cites its diplomatic ties with PH

Published Apr 7, 2025 04:35 am

At A Glance

  • In her press briefing, the Palace Press Officer said the release of the arrested Filipinos was due to President Marcos' swift action on the issue.

The charges against the 17 Filipinos arrested in Qatar for supposed illegal assembly have been officially dismissed, Malacañang announced Monday, April 7.

PH Embassy_Qatar.jpeg
Philippine Embassy in Qatar

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this following the meeting of President Marcos with Qatari Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmed bin Saad Al Homidi on Monday.

In her press briefing, the Palace Press Officer said the release of the arrested Filipinos was due to President Marcos' swift action on the issue.

"Nakikita po natin kung gaano po ba kabilis magtrabaho ang ating Pangulo (We can see how fast our President works)," she said.

"Kaya parang ito po ay taliwas sa mga bintang ng iba na walang nangyayari sa ating bansa (This is contrary to the claims of others that nothing is happening in our country)," she added.

According to Castro, Marcos closely monitored the situation.

"Ito po ay talagang tinutukan po ng ating Pangulo para po mabigyan po ng tulong ang 17 na kababayan natin dito sa Qatar (The President really worked on this so our 17 countrymen in Qatar received help)," she said.

"At ito nga po ang naging resulta na ma-dismiss na po ang kaso at mapalaya po sila (And the result was that the case was dismissed and they were freed)," she added.

Citing the Qatari envoy, Castro said the release of the arrested Filipinos was a reflection of the good relationship between the Philippines and Qatar.

"Ayon kay Ambassador Al Homidi, ito raw ay repleksyon ng maganda at matatag na pagkakaibigan ng dalawang bansa (According to Ambassador Al Homidi, this reflects the strong and stable friendship between the two countries)," she said.

Asked if the arrested Filipinos could return to their normal routine or go back to the Philippines, Castro said it was up to them.

"Sinabi naman po na sila po ay napalaya na at maaari po sila magtrabaho (It was stated that they have been freed and can work)," she said.

"Choice na po nila kung ano po ang gusto nila (It’s now their choice what they want to do)," she added.

The 17 Filipinos had been provisionally released last week after they were arrested for supposed illegal assembly on March 28. According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Filipinos were detained without the charges initially filed.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos claire castro PH-Qatar President Marcos Overseas Fililpino Workers (OFWs)
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