MALACANANG has assured that the Philippine government will provide assistance to the 20 Filipinos arrested in Qatar last week for participating in a political demonstration.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro stated during a press briefing that the administration would not abandon them.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega clarified the number of arrested Filipinos, correcting an earlier report of 17. He explained that the demonstration may have been in opposition to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte on crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court.
Undersecretary de Vega noted that if charges are filed, resulting in potential three-year prison sentences, the Philippine Embassy in Qatar will provide legal assistance to the arrested Filipinos.
metrosundaily
