The relentless efforts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to secure the freedom of 17 Filipinos in Qatar led to the dismissal of the illegal assembly charges against them, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Monday.

Castro announced after President Marcos met with Qatari Ambassador Ahmed Saad Al Homidi in Malacañang.

“Sinabi ng Qatari Ambassador na pinalaya na ang 17 na inaresto sa Qatar at dinismis [dismissed] na rin ang mga kaso laban sa kanila,” Castro said.

“Nakikita po natin kung gaano po ba kabilis magtrabaho ang ating Pangulo, kaya parang ito po ay taliwas sa mga bintang ng iba na walang nangyayari sa ating bansa,” she added.

Quoting the ambassador, Castro said Qatar’s decision to dismiss the cases reflected the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.

The President focused on the cases of 17 Filipinos and instructed relevant government agencies to assist in securing their release and to work towards having their cases dismissed.

After their cases were dismissed, the Filipinos may return to work in Qatar or choose to go back home, according to Castro.

Last week, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the provisional release of the 17 Filipinos.

Among those detained were 12 males, five females, and three minors. They were arrested on March 27 for participating in a rally supporting former president Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The former President is currently in detention in the International Criminal Court (ICC) facilities in The Hague while awaiting trial for his crimes against humanity. | PND