NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Good News From Qatar: 17 Pinoy OFWs Cleared, Free To Return To Work After PBBM's Talk with Qatari Envoy
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. shared some uplifting news on Monday morning: the 17 Filipinos who were previously detained in Qatar for alleged illegal assembly are now officially off the hook.
This update came after President Marcos met with H.E. Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi, the Qatari Ambassador to the Philippines, in Malacañang. According to Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, the ambassador personally informed the President that the charges against the 17 OFWs had been dismissed.
Even better? There will be no penalties, no further charges, and the 17 OFWs will be allowed to return to work.
“This, according to Ambassador Al-Homidi, is a reflection of the strong and friendly ties between Qatar and the Philippines,” Castro shared during a Palace press briefing. The gesture was seen as a nod to the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
The group of OFWs—12 men and 5 women—had been arrested for participating in a public rally expressing support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over alleged human rights violations tied to his controversial war on drugs.
Just last Friday, the government had announced that the OFWs were granted provisional release, following President Marcos’ directive to all concerned agencies to leave no stone unturned in helping the detained Filipinos.
And now, just a few days later, the legal cloud over them has officially cleared.
This development not only brings relief to the families of the 17 OFWs but also highlights the importance of diplomatic dialogue and a President who’s willing to go the extra mile to protect our kababayans abroad.
It’s a reminder that even when things get tough, there’s always room for good news—especially when teamwork and diplomacy come into play.
This update came after President Marcos met with H.E. Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi, the Qatari Ambassador to the Philippines, in Malacañang. According to Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, the ambassador personally informed the President that the charges against the 17 OFWs had been dismissed.
Even better? There will be no penalties, no further charges, and the 17 OFWs will be allowed to return to work.
“This, according to Ambassador Al-Homidi, is a reflection of the strong and friendly ties between Qatar and the Philippines,” Castro shared during a Palace press briefing. The gesture was seen as a nod to the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
The group of OFWs—12 men and 5 women—had been arrested for participating in a public rally expressing support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over alleged human rights violations tied to his controversial war on drugs.
Just last Friday, the government had announced that the OFWs were granted provisional release, following President Marcos’ directive to all concerned agencies to leave no stone unturned in helping the detained Filipinos.
And now, just a few days later, the legal cloud over them has officially cleared.
This development not only brings relief to the families of the 17 OFWs but also highlights the importance of diplomatic dialogue and a President who’s willing to go the extra mile to protect our kababayans abroad.
It’s a reminder that even when things get tough, there’s always room for good news—especially when teamwork and diplomacy come into play.
Apr 7, 2025
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