The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, April 24, said the two Filipinos arrested by Kuwaiti authorities for allegedly convincing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to escape their employers were mere drivers hired by the Philippine Embassy.
Foreign affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the FIlipinos were only tasked to drive during the rescue operations of the Rapid Rescue Team (RRT).
“We’re asking them to confirm to us if they’re in their custody and then we’re asking for assistance explaining to them kung ano talaga ‘yung mission ng DFA team, mission ng embassy and that itong mga ito just became part of it because we needed a driver,” Cayetano told reporters.
He added that the two were accused of “kidnapping” Filipino domestic helper, which he clarified was not the case.
Cayetano assured that legal assistance will be provided to the arrested Filipinos while they await for confirmation if a third Filipino, who was also a part of the rescue operation, was arrested as well.
The foreign affairs secretary has also apologized to the Kuwaiti government “if they were offended by some actions taken by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.”
“But we have explained to their ambassador and their ambassador has accepted this explanation. Of course, we will also send it to our counterparts that this was all done in the spirit of emergency action to protect Filipinos,” Cayetano said.
