Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac on Thursday announced the 17 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) detained in Qatar over “suspected unauthorized political demonstrations” have been granted provisional release following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure their welfare and secure their immediate freedom.
The OFWs, along with three minors, were arrested on the night of March 27 in Doha for allegedly participating in an illegal assembly. While the minors were released earlier, 12 men and five women remained in detention pending investigation.
Upon learning of the arrests, Mr. Marcos immediately instructed the DMW, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Doha, to provide legal and welfare assistance to the detained Filipinos.
“The President’s first question was, ‘How are they? What is their condition?'” Cacdac said in a Palace briefing.
“This prompted welfare visits from our One Country Team under Ambassador Lillibeth Pono-Melicor, along with Labor Attaché Atty. Ed Ferrer and our retained Qatari legal counsel,” he added.
Following diplomatic efforts, the Qatari authorities released the detained OFWs in two batches: the males at approximately 2:30 a.m. and the females at around 4 a.m. local time.
“The release means they can now return to their respective homes in Qatar and reunite with their families while the investigation continues,” Cacdac said, emphasizing that legal assistance will remain available to the 17 individuals as they remain under investigation.
According to him, no formal charges have been filed against the OFWs at this time.
“The President specifically asked about the existence of charges, and our legal counsel in Qatar raised this matter with Qatari authorities,” Cacdac said.
Despite their provisional release, the OFWs are prohibited from leaving Qatar while the investigation is ongoing. Cacdac has since expressed gratitude to the Qatari government for their cooperation in securing the workers’ liberty while due process continues.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “17 OFWs detained in Qatar granted provisional release — DMW”