Qatari authorities free 17 detained Filipinos

THE 17 Filipinos who were jailed in Qatar for holding a political rally have been provisionally released, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in Malacañang, Cacdac said the release of the 12 male and five female Filipinos in two batches was based on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to secure their freedom.

"This means they have their liberty pending investigation, they were able to go home to their respective homes in Doha, Qatar, and they are able to spend time with their loved ones," Cacdac said.

Because the 17 are still subject for investigation, they will be given legal assistance on Marcos' instructions.

"No charges have been filed. In fact the president, when he gave us instructions to secure their immediate release, was pointing out the matter on whether or not charges have indeed been filed, so our legal counsel in Qatar had put forward this point to the Qatari authorities," Cacdac said.

Cacdac again reminded Filipinos abroad to obey the laws of their host countries.

If charges are filed against the Filipinos in Qatar, who were arrested for illegal assembly without a permit, they could serve 6 months to 3 years of imprisonment and pay a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 Qatari riyals (P158,000 to P790,000).

Last March 27 and 28, the 17 Filipinos, along with three minors, who were supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte, were rounded up for holding the rally.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier announced the release of the three minors.