THE Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday said only 16 Filipinos remained in detention in Qatar after they were arrested for holding a political rally last March 28, while Malacañang said there would be no discrimination against any Filipino, including arrested supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who may need assistance.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega told News Watch Plus Philippines that three teenage Filipinos who joined the rally were released by Qatari authorities, leaving only 16 in detention.
On Sunday, De Vega clarified that 20 Filipinos were arrested, not 17 it earlier reported, but that one was already released.
De Vega said the embassy is working to have the rest of the Filipinos released from detention.
Last Sunday, De Vega clarified that 20 Filipinos were arrested, not 17 as earlier reported, but one was already released.
De Vega said the embassy is working for the release of the rest still detained.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a briefing, said, “It is the obligation of the government, of the administration, to help all Filipinos regardless of their political color. We don’t discriminate against anyone as long as they are Filipino, the administration would help them,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said.
She said legal aid and other forms of assistance to ensure the welfare of the arrested Filipinos were immediately extended by the government through the embassy.
The embassy earlier confirmed that several Filipinos were arrested by Qatari authorities for ‘’suspected unauthorized political demonstrations.”
But the embassy did not say if the rally was held by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte on the occasion of his 80th birthday last March 28 in the Philippines and abroad.
De Vega said they were arrested for taking part in a political rally, which is not allowed in Qatar, especially for non-citizens.
He said the Filipinos told Qatari authorities they were just indicating their support for Duterte, who was arrested and extradited to the International Criminal Court in the Hague to face crime against humanity charges filed against him.
“They said they were harmless. They said it was more of a picnic gathering, but they were wearing t-shirts and carrying placards, that’s why they were arrested,” De Vega said.
He added that the embassy is talking to Qatari authorities to spare the Filipinos from any charges.
“Instead of filing charges, they should just be made to pay a fine,” De Vega said.
Under Qatar’s Law No. 18 of 2004, unauthorized protests and demonstrations are illegal, with public gatherings and protests requiring approval from the government.
Penalties for holding illegal public demonstrations in Qatar range from deportation, imprisonment for up to three years, and a fine of up to 50,000 Riyals.
BATO’S TAKE
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said that more than 300,000 supporters attended the gatherings across the country on Duterte’s 80th birthday last Friday, contrary to a report from the PNP that they only numbered around 60,000.
Dela Rosa said he does not believe the estimates of the PNP since aerial drone shots in Davao City alone showed that the city’s three main thoroughfares were full of people.
Sen. Robin Padilla yesterday said he had been requested by Duterte to return to the country so he can help the Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan candidates in their campaign sorties.
In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, Padilla said Vice President Sara Duterte relayed the former president’s message to him.
Padilla said he would honor the request, even if he has not yet visited the elder Duterte at the International Criminal Court detention center since going to the Hague last March 14.
Padilla did not say when he would fly back to the Philippines, but assured that he would return to the Netherlands right after the midterm elections on May 12 and would return home again when Congress resumes regular sessions on June 2. – With Raymond Africa
