Pinoys among those arrested in raid on Halloween party in Riyadh


Nineteen Filipinos were arrested early Saturday morning in a raid by Saudi authorities in a Halloween party in Riyadh, according to Consul General Christopher Patrick Aro.
The Filipinos were among the guests in the party, Aro told GMA News.
"Base sa info na aming nakuha, meron daw raid na ginanap sa  Al Thumama, may nagho-hold daw po duon na isang Halloween event, may mga costume daw ang mga tao," Aro said.
"Ini-report daw sila ng mga kaptbahay dahil masyado daw maingay na parang may concert. Nag-respond daw ang mga pulis at hinuli ang mga nagpa-party ng malamang wala pala etong permit kasama ang 19 daw na Pilipino."
Aro said they are still awaiting official communication from Saudi authorities, adding their information so far came from media reports.
He said those arrested were turned over to the Intelligence Police and may face charges for holding an event without permit.
Aro said the Embassy will provide assistance to the arrested Filipinos, as he appealed to other Filipinos in the Kingdom to be aware of the difference in culture between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
"Alam po natin na may pagkakaiba ang ating mga kultura at batas sa kanila. Dapat maging aware po tayo duon para hindi natin sila ma-offend. Huwag po nating gawin ang mga bagay na hindi dapat gawin para hindi tayo malagay sa panganib," he said. —Ronaldo Concha/KBK, GMA News

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