MANILA — The Philippine government this weekend vowed to provide support for Filipinos who had been arrested and detained in Qatar for holding suspected unauthorized political protests.

The Department of Migrant Workers said Saturday in a release that it was "closely in touch with local authorities to monitor the case and ensure the welfare" of Filipinos in Qatar, including the 17 overseas Filipino workers who were being investigated over their political activities.

Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte staged rallies in various parts of the world on March 28 to mark the former chief executive's 80th birthday. They also protested against his detention in the International Criminal Court detention facility in The Hague.

Duterte supporters gather outside ICC detention facility to celebrate his 80th birthday

Under Qatar's Law No. 18 of 2004, unauthorized protests and demonstrations are illegal, with public gatherings and protests requiring approval from the government.

The DMW, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Doha, added that it had sent Labor Attaché Eduard Ferrer, a lawyer, to the police station to provide necessary assistance to the affected OFWs in Qatar.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in the statement reminded all OFWs to adhere to and respect the laws and customs of their host countries.

'STOP IDOLIZING POLITICAL LEADERS'

Meanwhile, Migrante Middle East in a statement expressed its deep concern over the recent arrest of Filipino workers in Qatar, urging all OFWs in the Gulf Cooperation Council region to exercise caution in expressing their political views.

"While we acknowledge that every individual has the right to express their opinions, even if we may differ in our political beliefs, we emphasize that this should not compromise their safety or jeopardize their employment abroad," the group said.

It urged OFWs to take a "deeper look" into the political issues in the Philippines, saying it is time to "stop idolizing political leaders, particularly those from political dynasties, who abandon their campaign promises and duties once elected."

Migrante Middle East also called on OFWs to refocus their attention on issues that affect their lives and the lives of their families. 

"We need to continue fighting for a living wage for Filipino families, genuine agrarian reform, an end to contractualization, and the creation of more job opportunities within the Philippines," the group said.