12 February 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today said that the Department of Foreign Affairs would continue to provide assistance to an overseas Filipino couple in Belfast accused of supporting terrorists.  

“A day after the arrests, I instructed the Philippine Embassy in London to send a consular team to assist and ensure the rights of the couple and to see to the safety and welfare of their children. Our team has been to Belfast and has reported that the couple and their children are well and that the couple have proper legal representation,” the Secretary said.

“The Department is also in touch with the Filipino Community in Belfast, including the Filipino members of the clergy who are also assisting the couple and helping in taking care of their children,” the Secretary added.  Jaybe Ofracio and Indhira Abdulla, a Filipino couple were arrested by the police on 29 January 2004.  Indhira was cleared of any charges and immediately released. 

“While we prefer not to comment on the merits of this case or on any matter relating to operational counter-terrorism cooperation between Philippine authorities and the authorities of other nations, I would like to take this opportunity to issue an urgent call to all overseas Filipinos to exercise caution and prudence before joining or making contributions to groups or organizations,” the Secretary said.

“I am not saying that Filipinos overseas should isolate themselves or live in fear of others.  What I am saying is that before contributing to or joining an organization, care must be taken to ensure that the group or organization is for a legitimate purpose.  Many countries have laws that criminalize contributing to or associating with organizations whose activities, purposes and objectives are contrary to the laws of the host state.  In case of doubt, please coordinate with local authorities or Philippine diplomatic and consular personnel. I hope that I can count on media to help bring this message out,” the Secretary added. END.