PH officials confirming reports of Filipinos arrested in UAE for sharing videos of air strikes
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are monitoring reports that Filipino nationals were arrested for posting and sharing videos related to the Middle East conflict.
In a statement released March 15, the Philippine Embassy in UAE said, along with the Consulate General in Dubai, that it is seeking official confirmation from authorities in the United Arab Emirates regarding the reported arrest of Filipinos, along with others, for allegedly "posting and sharing videos and other online content related to the recent attacks and air defense interceptions in Dubai."
Philippine officials are awaiting further details, including the identity, status, and legal circumstances of any Filipinos involved in the reported arrests.
"The Philippine Embassy and Consulate General fully respect the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates and its right to enforce its national security, cybercrime, and public order laws," the embassy said.
"UAE authorities have publicly reminded the public that publishing or sharing misleading or fabricated security-related content, including videos of air defence interceptions, attacks on landmarks, or AI-generated false footage, is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and substantial fines," the embassy added.
The mission stations reminded all Filipino nationals in the UAE to practice caution and responsibility in their social media activities, including messaging platforms. This includes refraining from "recording, posting, forwarding, or commenting on unverified or sensitive security-related content."
Filipinos in the region were also warned against spreading rumors and speculative information. Officials instructed them to rely only on announcements made by official UAE authorities and legitimate news sources.
According to media reports, 25 people, including two Filipinos, were recently arrested for sharing content on the air strikes. Among those in police custody are Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis, according to reports.
The UAE has been on the receiving end of missile and drone attacks from Iran since the Middle East conflict started on Feb. 28, reportedly initiated by a US-Israel coordinated assault on Iran. In retaliation, Iran has been targeting military bases shared by U.S. and UAE forces.
