DMW asks Filipinos to respect local laws abroad amid protests due to Duterte ICC arrest 

As public protests unfold in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague and elsewhere, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac emphasized the general inclination of Filipinos to respect the laws and policies of their host countries.

"OFWs have always been mindful of their role as good citizens and residents of the host country. They should be mindful in complying with the host country laws," he said.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained at a prison facility facing charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC, after he was arrested in Manila last week. Demonstrations for and against this development have sprung up in the Philippines, in the Netherlands, and in other countries.

Cacdac underscored the importance of adhering to the regulations governing public assembly in the Netherlands, stating that regardless of whether they support Duterte or the victims of alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs), it’s crucial to follow the rules on the right to gather and demonstrate.

The protests have drawn participants from various groups across Europe, with some rallying in support of Duterte while others advocate for the rights of EJK victims, as part of the broader response to the previous administration’s controversial war on drugs.

The Dutch Constitution states that everyone "has the right to gather in public," which includes meetings, demonstrations, and protests.

However, in Dutch Law, this right comes with stipulations: “You may not violate other laws or regulations, may not be dangerous to the health of the population, and may not lead to a disruption of public order.”

Furthermore, it specifically mentions that gatherings near buildings used by international organizations must "refrain from conduct that affects the functioning of the institution concerned."

Duterte has established strong ties with Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), many of whom have openly expressed their support for the former president. Nonetheless, DMW has urged Filipinos abroad to remain open-minded about the issues and to recognize that presidential actions are often the result of careful decision-making in the nation's interest.

Looking ahead, Duterte supporters have announced plans for a larger protest demonstration at the ICC in the coming days, reflecting the ongoing tensions and passionate sentiments surrounding the former leader’s legal challenges. — BM, GMA Integrated News