PH Embassy in Qatar warned against unauthorized protests days before arrests

The Philippine Embassy in Qatar had released a public advisory reminding all Filipinos there to respect local laws, particularly the prohibition against holding political gatherings and protests in public places, days before several Filipinos were arrested in the tiny Persian Gulf state for this reason.

The advisory, in English with a version in Filipino added later, was posted on the embassy's social media pages on March 13 and communicated to Filipino community leaders.

Two weeks later, on March 28, the Filipinos were arrested and detained, allegedly for participating in an unauthorized demonstration in Qatar. Reports indicated that those arrested were supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte who had gathered for a picnic-like event at a beach.

According to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ed De Vega, many Filipinos who were there had adhered to the advisory and were not among those arrested by Qatari authorities.

“Our embassy in Qatar already issued an advisory on March 13. Many followed it. Many followed the advisory and didn't go to that because they went to a beach resort where it was really supposed to be a gathering and the beach resort entrance fee was even reduced by half,” he said.

It was also revealed that some individuals had been advised to attend the gathering but were instructed not to bring any posters or wear politically themed clothing. However, some attendees reportedly did not follow these guidelines, which drew attention. “They were told by the organizers or by whoever put it on the internet not to bring paraphernalia or what, but some did. So that attracted attention,” De Vega added.

Currently, 17 Filipinos, remain under investigation following their detention. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also responded to an apparent report circulating on social media suggesting that embassy personnel had reported the gathering to Qatari authorities.

“There is a report, internet daw, embassy nagpahuli. No? No, no, no. I mean, surely we don't inform on our kababayans. And surely, we don't have the kapangyarihan there. Kaya po, nagagalit yung iba na, [nananawagan] na ng papalaya. Eh well, nasa Qatar authorities 'yan. So, you have to understand, well, pumunta yung embassy, kinakausap kayo, may mga abogado, pero hindi ito yung Philippines,” De Vega said.

(There is a report on the internet that the Philippine Embassy had them arrested? No? No, no, no. I mean, surely we don't inform on our own countrymen and women. And surely we don't have the power there. That's why some people are angry, calling for their release. But that's up to the Qatar authorities. So you have to understand the embassy went there, spoke to you, there were lawyers, but this is not the Philippines.)

During the arrest, it was discovered that at least one individual had an expired visa, but this was not the reason for their arrest. “At least one has an expired visa. But I do think they were, well, it's very clear, they were arrested not because they were illegal but because of the political demonstration. That's it. Yes. But the one with the expired visa, well, at best, he might be deported, no? Kasi kung expired visa lang yan, hindi sila mag-round up doon [If it were just an expired visa, they would not have rounded them up]. It's not in Doha. It's in a beach resort, several kilometers south of Doha,” De Vega added..

He further noted, “If they wanted to round up illegal Filipinos or foreigners, they do it in Doha. Not in where they were captured. So, yes, they were originally arrested for this. But some might turn out to be really overstayed.”

The DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have guaranteed legal assistance to all arrested Filipinos, and they have already been visited by the Philippine labor attaché while arrangements for their immediate release are being made. — BM, GMA Integrated News