Filipino Workers in Qatar Released on Provisional Terms

Seventeen Filipino workers detained in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized political demonstration supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte have been granted provisional release. The detainees were released in two batches on April 3, pending an ongoing investigation, and no formal charges have been filed against them. They remain subject to potential penalties, including imprisonment and fines, should charges be pursued, and are currently unable to return to the Philippines. Philippine officials, acting on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, are providing legal assistance during the investigation. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured continued legal and welfare support for the detainees, emphasizing the importance of compliance with local laws. Separately, the National Security Council of the Philippines suspects that the arrest of three Filipinos in China is retaliatory, following the arrest of Chinese agents in the Philippines.