17 OFWs still in Qatar jail

MANILA, Philippines — Several Filipinos in Qatar were arrested and detained Friday for allegedly participating in unauthorized rallies coinciding with the 80th birthday of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippine embassy in Doha said it is aware of the developments, which stemmed from “suspected unauthorized political demonstrations.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 17 Filipinos were arrested and are currently detained in Qatar.

The embassy is already coordinating with local authorities in order to provide necessary consular assistance to the detained Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the embassy reiterated its previous advisory dated March 13, which called “for all Filipino nationals in the country to respect local laws and customs relating to mass demonstrations and expressions of political grievances.”

Duterte supporters here and abroad joined simultaneous demonstrations on Friday in solidarity with the jailed ex-leader on his birthday.