Update on the 19 Arrested OFWs in Riyadh

01 November 2018 — Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan V. Alonto has informed the Home Office that all 19 overseas workers who were arrested during the Halloween party in Riyadh last week and turned over to the Philippine Embassy last night have returned to their respective accommodations.

Ambassador Alonto said the women were all thankful for the assistance extended to them by the Embassy, which successfully negotiated for their temporary release from detention.

The Embassy had also spoken with their employers who agreed to take all of them back without penalties.

In two to three weeks, Ambassador Alonto said the Embassy would know if the prosecutor’s office will file charges against the 19 women who had nothing to do in organizing the event.

The Ambassador said there is a good chance all 19, who were recruited to do part time work as cleaners and servers at the event, will be exonerated.

Ambassador Alonto said the women were strongly advised against entering into similar part time arrangements in the future. END