The 17 Filipino nationals detained in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized protest have been released, with all charges dropped.
This decision follows successful diplomatic discussions between the Philippine government and Qatari authorities.
The group, consisting of 12 men and five women, was arrested for staging a protest without the required permits, violating Qatari laws against unauthorized assemblies.
The protest was in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the news, stating, “I’m happy to share with you that Qatar has confirmed it will not pursue charges against the 17 Filipinos who were earlier detained for illegal assembly.
They will not face any penalties and will be allowed to return to work. We received this good news after my meeting with H.E. Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al Homidi, Ambassador of Qatar to the Philippines.”
With the charges dropped, the 17 Filipinos are now free to return to their work in Qatar.
