3 OFWs Among 45 Arrested for Filming Iran Missile Debris in Dubai

3 OFWs Among 45 Arrested for Filming Iran Missile Debris in Dubai

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | March 17, 2026

DUBAI, UAE – Authorities in Abu Dhabi have confirmed the arrest of 45 individuals of various nationalities, including three Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), for allegedly filming and disseminating misleading information following a recent Iranian missile attack on the United Arab Emirates.

The crackdown comes amidst heightened regional tensions and a strict warning from UAE officials against sharing sensitive security footage.

Police stated that the individuals were apprehended for “spreading inaccurate and misleading information, which could incite public opinion and spread rumors within the community.”

This follows a series of public advisories emphasizing that photographing or sharing images of security sites, critical infrastructure, or reposting unverified information can lead to legal action, including fines, imprisonment, or deportation, and compromise national security.

The arrests follow an incident on Friday, March 13, 2026, when debris from an intercepted attack struck a building facade in central Dubai.

Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs, and a damaged structure was observed in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

This incident occurred days after several international firms, including US banking giant Citi and consultancies Deloitte and PwC, had closed offices or evacuated employees from the DIFC due to escalating threats from Iran.

The threats, which included targeting US and Israel-linked banks and economic hubs, sparked significant concern within West Asia’s top financial center, home to numerous international companies and multi-billion dollar businesses.

The UAE’s defense ministry reported on X (formerly Twitter) that over 1,800 drones and missiles have been launched at the country since the conflict began, resulting in six fatalities and 141 injuries.

The UAE air defenses have successfully intercepted over 1,500 Iranian drones and nearly 300 missiles during this period.

Philippine Embassy Extends Aid to Arrested OFWs

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been monitoring the three Filipino nationals who were reportedly arrested for posting videos online.

The Embassy has verified the identities and current whereabouts of the three OFWs and has established communication with their families to provide updates and support.

Legal assistance is being provided to the arrested individuals through the Embassy’s retained legal counsel, and a request for a consular visit has been submitted to UAE authorities.

Due to the ongoing investigation and at the families’ request, specific details regarding the identities and cases are being withheld.

The Embassy reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary legal and consular support to the affected Filipinos and urged all nationals in the UAE to strictly adhere to local laws regarding the creation, posting, and sharing of online content, including AI-generated material, especially given the current regional security climate.

Experts highlight the strategic importance of the DIFC, which has transitioned into a global financial capital. The recent events underscore the UAE’s firm stance on maintaining national security and controlling the narrative surrounding sensitive incidents.