2 Pinays nabbed in UAE get legal aid

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is providing legal assistance to two Filipinas arrested in Dubai for allegedly recording and sharing videos of missile attacks launched by Iran.

In an interview with “Storycon” on One News yesterday, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver confirmed that two Filipinas were among those who were arrested for violation of a security-related policy.

“We sent people there to see them. I got a text and they’re both there together at a police station. They’re OK. We’re asking if we can visit them and get their statement,” Ver said.

Ver said the two were among 35 people, mostly foreign nationals, who were arrested for recording attacks and posting them on social media. 

Those arrested are facing up to one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 dirhams or around P1.6 million.

Ver expressed hope that the case of the Filipinas would be considered, noting that they only posted the attacks online because they wanted to reassure their families in the Philippines that they are safe.

As to other overseas Filipino workers in UAE, the ambassador said they are ready to initiate more repatriation flights.