By: Charles Nikko Limon

Qatar has officially dropped the illegal assembly charges against 17 Filipinos who were earlier arrested for participating in a pro-Duterte rally.

This development came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a meeting with the Qatari ambassador to the Philippines.

On March 27, authorities in Qatar arrested a group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for participating in a rally, which was deemed unauthorized.

Following the arrest, President Marcos immediately ordered the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Doha to provide legal and welfare assistance.

According to the DMW, 20 Filipinos were initially arrested. Three minors were later released, leaving 17 — 12 men and 5 women — in detention.

These individuals were later granted provisional release while their case was under review.

The breakthrough came after Qatari Ambassador Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi met with President Marcos on April 7 at Malacañang.

It was agreed that Qatar would drop the charges and associated penalties against the 17 Filipinos.

“The Qatari ambassador said that the 17 arrested individuals have been released and the charges have been dismissed.

According to Ambassador Al-Homidi, this reflects the strong and friendly relations between the two countries,” said Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro.

Malacañang also clarified that the Philippine government took necessary actions and did not neglect the situation.

The DMW, meanwhile, reminded OFWs to respect and follow the laws of their host countries.