DFA says 17 Filipinas arrested in Saudi Arabia

October 30, 2018

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said 17 Filipinas were arrested in Saudi Arabia by authorities who raided a compound in Riyadh on Friday where a Halloween party was taking place.

The DFA said, in a statement on Tuesday, the compound was raided after neighbors complained of loud noise from the party.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto in  a report to the DFA Home Office, the 17 Filipinas are being held at the Al Nisa jail in the capital.

"Ambassador Alonto said it was not immediately clear what charges have been filed against the detained Filipinas but initial information the Embassy had gathered indicate that the organizers of the event have been charged with holding an event without a permit and for disturbing the neighborhood," the DFA said.

"Saudi laws strictly prohibit unattached males and females from being seen together in public," the DFA added.

Alonto and embassy officials, the DFA said, have been requesting access to the detained Filipinas.

Alonto said the Embassy issued an advisory urging members of the Filipino Community to be mindful of local sensitivities. DMS