PBBM meets with H.E. Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi, Ambassador of Qatar to the Philippines
Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office, Office of the President of the Philippines
Seventeen overseas Filipino workers detained in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized protest have been freed, with all charges dropped. President Marcos cites strong diplomatic ties behind their release.
MANILA, Philippines – In a diplomatic breakthrough underscoring strong Philippine-Qatar ties, 17 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) previously detained in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized protest have been released and cleared of all charges.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the development on Monday, April 7, after a conversation with Qatari Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi. The President shared the update in a public statement:
“I’m happy to share with you that Qatar has confirmed it will not pursue charges against the 17 Filipinos who were earlier detained for illegal assembly. They will not face any penalties and will be allowed to return to work.”
The OFWs were arrested on March 27 in Doha for allegedly joining a rally reportedly in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing trial at the International Criminal Court. Under Qatari Law No. 18 of 2004, public protests without official sanction are illegal and may carry prison sentences of up to three years and fines of up to 50,000 Qatari riyals (approximately PHP 780,000).
Palace: A Result of Strong Diplomatic Ties
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the OFWs’ release was a result of the President’s direct efforts and strong bilateral engagement with Qatar.
“This is a reflection of the beautiful and strong friendship between the Philippines and Qatar,” Castro noted during a press briefing. “President Marcos gave clear instructions to provide assistance, and now our compatriots are free to continue their lives and work without fear of prosecution.”
According to Castro, it is up to each of the 17 OFWs to decide whether to resume work in Qatar or return to the Philippines.
DMW, DFA Support Throughout
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), provided legal aid and coordinated closely with Qatari authorities to ensure due process. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac explained that while the OFWs had been granted provisional release earlier this month, they were previously barred from leaving the country.
“Pending investigation, they were allowed to return to their homes in Qatar,” Cacdac said. “The directive from the President was clear—legal support must continue until the matter is fully resolved, which it now is.”
The OFWs were released in two batches: 12 male workers and 5 female workers. Three minors initially arrested were released earlier.
Advocacy Groups: Respect Local Laws
While celebrating the OFWs’ release, advocacy group Migrante Middle East emphasized the need for Filipinos overseas to remain aware of host country laws.
“While every individual has the right to express political beliefs, this must not compromise their safety or job security,” the group said in a statement. “We call on the government to provide legal protection without politicizing these cases.”
As of this report, all 17 workers are safe and weighing their next steps. Their release marks a significant moment in Philippine foreign labor diplomacy and a reminder of the critical role of government support for Filipinos overseas.
