RIYADH: The Riyadh-based Filipino Expatriates Council (FEC) for Justice, Peace and Order has called on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to be vigilant and respect the laws of the country while enjoying the hospitality of the Kingdom.

The call was made following reports that three Filipinos were arrested for suspected involvement in terrorism recently, along with a number of other suspects, most of them Yemenis and Saudis.

In October last year, the FEC denounced all forms of terrorism and issued a manifesto pledging their support for the Kingdom’s local and global efforts for peace and security.

“As we are equally treated and protected by their government before the law, we are morally obliged to respect the laws and regulations by being decent guests and expatriates here,” said Saidali Malic, head of the council.

In his letter to Arab News, Malic said that his group believes in the Kingdom’s peace initiatives and judicial rulings, especially on peace, security and justice, and its protection of the country and its people.

He alerted fellow OFWs to set aside whatever beliefs, principles, fanaticism and other reservations they have. “We should set these thoughts aside and keep them to ourselves. We should know our roles as OFWs and our limitations,” he observed.

The community leader said that his group respects and admires how the Kingdom handles pressing issues and responds to diplomatic ties and preserves diplomatic relationships with other countries.

The newly-formed organization serves as a consultative body for Filipinos in the Kingdom through their activities, of which advocacy is a major component, alongside the promotion of peace and order in the country, which is considered to be Filipinos’ second home.