On Temporary Release of 19 OFWs Arrested in Riyadh

01 November 2018 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) today expressed its gratitude to Saudi Arabia after Riyadh agreed to Manila’s request to take temporary custody of 19 Filipinas who were arrested during a raid at a Halloween party there five days ago.

“We thank our Saudi friends for agreeing to release our people to the custody of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. said shortly after he was informed that the 19 women have been turned over to Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan V. Alonto.

“This gesture is very much appreciated,” Secretary Locsin said. The 19 women who were initially detained at the Al Nizah Jail in Malaz, Riyadh, were turned over to Ambassador Alonto at 1:20 p.m. Riyadh time (6:20 p.m. in Manila).

Ambassador Alonto said Saudi authorities will decide what charges to file against the 19 women once they conclude their investigation of the case. END