TWO FILIPINOS have been arrested — and currently detained by local authorities in the United Arab Emirates, for allegedly sharing videos of missile attacks on social media.
In a statement, the Philippine Embassy assured that it will provide legal assistance to the arrested OFWs, adding that their families in the Philippine have already been made aware of the situation. The embassy officials however did not divulge the names of the arrested migrant workers.
“In view of the ongoing investigation and at the request of the families,” the embassy said.
“Legal assistance is being extended to the arrested through the embassy’s retained legal counsel,” the embassy assured.
“A request has been submitted to the relevant UAE authorities for a consular visit to the arrested nationals, subject to approval by the competent authorities.”
NOT JUST FILIPINOS
The UAE Attorney General’s Office earlier announced the arrest and expedited trial of 25 foreign nationals for posting images of the Middle East conflict on social media.
The UAE state media quoted UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi as saying that the 25 individuals published content that harms national defense measures and glorifies acts of military aggression against the UAE.
The two OFWs were among the 25 people.
“The Public Prosecution has commenced investigations into the charges filed against the defendants and ordered their preventive detention pending further inquiries,” reads part of the report.
JUST CONSEQUENCE
The same report added that the arrested individuals were clustered into three groups — those who posted the actual video of the missile attack, those who posted AI-generated footage of the supposed war atrocities, and those who “glorified” a hostile state and its military leadership.
According to the Attorney General, such actions incite public anxiety and panic, while risking exposing defensive capabilities and allowing hostile accounts to promote misleading narrative.
Al Shamsi added that any individual proven to be involved in these acts will be referred to the judiciary to receive the prescribed legal penalty.
“Appropriate legal action against the 25 individuals serves as a just consequence for actions involving the deception and exaggeration of facts without regard for the country’s circumstances or its security requirements.”
EMBASSY ADVISORY
The Philippine Embassy and Consulate General have already issued an advisory reaching out to UAE authorities and seeking formal confirmation of the identities, legal status, and circumstances involving Filipinos.
Ambassador Alfonso Ver, in his capacity as head of the Philippine mission to the UAE, also cautioned Filipinos against posting photos of the ongoing Iran war on social media.
“All Filipino nationals in the UAE are reminded to exercise utmost caution and responsibility in their use of social media and messaging platforms,” Ver added.
“Filipinos are advised to refrain from recording, posting, forwarding, or commenting on unverified or sensitive security related content; to avoid spreading rumors or speculative information and to rely only on official announcements of UAE authorities and credible news sources for information on ongoing security situations.”
WANTED: LAWYERS
The Philippine government, through the Department of Migrant Workers, asked the embassy and consulate to recommend qualified lawyers familiar with UAE cybercrime laws.
Officials note that the legal defense of the individuals concerned may consider several factors, including the possibility that some shared online materials without malicious intent.
In many instances though, individuals may forward or repost videos during emergencies to inform family members or friends of unfolding events. Such actions, however, may still fall under provisions of UAE cybercrime regulations if the shared content is deemed misleading or harmful to public order.
UAE CYBER LAWS
Authorities in the UAE enforce strict rules governing online communication, particularly regarding security-related information.
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on cybercrime, sharing unverified or misleading content about security matters—including footage of military activity or air-defense responses—may result in penalties of at least one year of imprisonment and fines starting at AED 100,000.
Philippine officials stressed that many foreign workers may not be fully aware of the seriousness of the UAE regulations, especially when sharing content through private messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or social media groups.
EXERCISING CAUTION
To prevent similar incidents, Philippine officials issued an advisory urging OFWs in the UAE to exercise caution and responsibility when using digital platforms.
The advisory specifically reminded the Filipino community to refrain from recording, posting, or forwarding unverified security-related content, particularly during sensitive situations.
Instead, OFWs are encouraged to rely only on official announcements from verified government sources, including the UAE Ministry of Defence and the Dubai Media Office.
The embassy emphasized that maintaining responsible online behavior helps ensure compliance with local laws and protects the safety and reputation of the Filipino community abroad.