Embassy asks Filipinos to abide by Saudi rules after arrests in Riyadh

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh has urged the Filipino community in the Kingdom to follow the law of land and strictly adhere to residency regulations.

The warning accept significance in the setting of the captures of a few Filipinos, among different ostracizes, in Riyadh on the end of the week for taking an interest in a Halloween party.

The advisory assumes importance in the backdrop of the arrests of several Filipinos, among other expatriates, in Riyadh on the weekend for participating in a Halloween party.

«In addition, everyone is reminded to avoid mixed crowds, consuming liquor, and holding public practice of traditions that are associated with religions other than Islam, such as Halloween, Valentines and Christmas,» the advisory cautioned.

It urged community members to be cautious about producing, sharing and spreading any post on social media or electronically that compromises public order, religious values, public morals, and privacy, pursuant to the Kingdom’s laws and policies on cyber crimes.

Riyadh police raided compound in the outskirts of Al-Tumamah area where a Halloween party was organized last weekend after neighbors complained of loud noises and disturbance from the event.

The police were concerned by «disorderly conduct» and «the use of masks and strange costumes», said a statement issued earlier.

The police explanation included that the coordinators of the gathering had been accused of holding an occasion without allow and aggravating the area. 

Numerous Saudis voiced their dismay on Twitter following the online production of photographs of the costumed partygoers, who were allegedly participants of the gathering. Others voiced worry that the gathering may have been serving liquor, or, in other words the Kingdom. 

Those detained by the police involved various Filipino ladies. The international safe haven has been lining up the case with neighborhood experts, said sources.