The relentless efforts of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to secure the release of 17 Filipinos in Qatar led to the dismissal of illegal assembly charges against them, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
Castro announced the development after Marcos Jr. met with Qatari Ambassador Ahmed Saad Al Homidi in Malacañang.
“Sinabi ng Qatari Ambassador na pinalaya na ang 17 na inaresto sa Qatar at dinismis [dismissed] na rin ang mga kaso laban sa kanila,” she said. “Nakikita po natin kung gaano po ba kabilis magtrabaho ang ating Pangulo, kaya parang ito po ay taliwas sa mga bintang ng iba na walang nangyayari sa ating bansa.”
Castro added that Qatar’s decision to drop the cases highlights the strong ties between the two nations.
The President focused on the cases of the 17 Filipinos, instructing relevant agencies to assist in their release and help have their cases dismissed. After the dismissal, the Filipinos can either return to work in Qatar or choose to go home.
Last week, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the provisional release of the 17. They were arrested on March 27 for participating in a rally supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The group included 12 men, 5 women, and 3 minors.IMT
