Another OFW arrested in Saudi Arabia over alleged airstrike video posts — DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed that another overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has been arrested in Saudi Arabia for allegedly posting videos of airstrikes on social media, adding to earlier cases reported in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, the OFW in Saudi Arabia sought assistance from Philippine authorities following the arrest.

The DMW said the Philippine government will extend assistance to all affected Filipinos, including those detained in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE over similar allegations.

“We will help these 3 OFWs ... na humarap sa kanilang kaso, while they’re are incarcerated. We respect their laws, we respect their processes but we will provide for legal assistance. Libre po ang abugado na ibibigay natin sa kanila,” Olalia said.

(We will help these 3 OFWs in facing their cases (and) while they're incarcerated. We respect their laws, we respect their processes but we will provide legal assistance for free.)

The agency emphasized that while the Philippine government respects the laws and legal processes of host countries, it will continue to provide free legal assistance and other necessary support to the OFWs.

At the same time, however, the DMW renewed its advisory to Filipinos in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to refrain from posting or sharing videos of airstrikes and other sensitive incidents on social media, noting that such actions may violate local laws and have implications on national security operations.

The latest arrest comes after the Philippine Embassy earlier confirmed that two OFWs were detained in the UAE for allegedly posting videos of missile attacks amid the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The embassy said it has extended legal assistance, informed the families of the detained Filipinos, and continues to provide updates and support.

Meanwhile, a new chartered flight has been dispatched to the UAE to assist in the repatriation of OFWs and Filipino nationals affected by the escalating tensions in the region. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News