Following the Arrest of Duterte Supporters in Qatar, Malacañang Vowed To Help Them
Malacañang stressed that it is still the obligation of the Philippine government to help the arrested supporters of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Qatar.
Countless Filipinos not only in the Philippines but as well as abroad gathered to celebrate the birthday of former Pres. Duterte. The former Chief Executive of the country turned 80 years old. However, he is currently detained in the Hague Penitentiary Institution.
Duterte is faced with an accusation of crimes against humanity over the war on drugs of his administration. It was last March 11 upon his arrival from Hong Kong when the Philippine authorities arrested the former President.
The arrest of Duterte was due to the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. He was flown to The Hague, Netherlands via Dubai on the same day that he was arrested for the transfer of his custody. Countless Duterte supporters slammed Malacañang and Pres. Bongbong Marcos.
Some allies of former Pres. Duterte also reacted to his arrest. Senator Bato dela Rosa called Duterte’s arrest a betrayal by Pres. Marcos. Malacañang defended the President saying the government only did its job and he did not betrayed anyone.
After the celebration of the 80th birthday of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Philippine government confirmed that 20 OFWs in Qatar were arrested by the authorities due to unauthorized political demonstration in support of the former President. Based on a report on Inquirer, Malacañang vowed that the government will help them.
“It is still the obligation of our government, of the administration, to assist Filipinos, regardless of their background. We do not discriminate; there is no favoritism,” Malacañang press officer undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro stressed during a press briefing at the Palace.
According to Castro, the Duterte supporters who were arrested in Qatar were immediately sent a Labor Attaché and a lawyer to assist them. Based on the report, Malacañang also said that the arrested OFWs were sent care packages.
“As long as they are fellow Filipinos, the administration will help them,” Castro said.
Amid the strong political demonstration of the Duterte supporters of their support for the former President, through his daughter, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, former Pres. Duterte asked his supporters not to interfere with his ICC case and not to talk about it.