DMW to OFWs: Don’t post, share attack-related content

Amid the Middle East conflict, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday reminded overseas Filipino workers not to post or share videos, photos, and other content on attacks in their respective host countries.

The DMW gave the advice following the arrest of some OFWs in the United Arab Emirates for allegedly uploading videos of recent missile attacks on social media.

In a statement, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said OFWs should “should strictly abide by host country security protocols and regulations.”

He assured that the government is extending legal assistance to the arrested OFWs.

“The Migrant Workers Office in Abu Dhabi has also contacted the families of these OFWs to give such assurance,” the DMW added.

Earlier, the UAE Attorney General’s Office said 25 people of various nationalities were facing arrest and “expedited trial” for posting images of the Middle East conflict on social media.

This is because such actions incite public anxiety and panic, while risking the exposure of defensive capabilities and allowing hostile accounts to promote misleading narratives.

The Philippine Embassy in the UAE has confirmed the arrest of two OFWs in the UAE, as well as their location.

The Philippine Embassy is extending legal assistance to the arrested OFWs and have requested for a consular visit, subject to approval by UAE authorities.

It also reiterated its reminder for all OFWs in the UAE to “strictly adhere to local laws and regulations concerning the creation, posting, and sharing of photos, videos, and other online content, including AI-generated material, particularly in the context of the current regional situation.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News