A TOTAL of 220 Filipinos detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for various offenses were pardoned on the occasion of the Gulf State’s 53rd National Day, President Marcos Jr. said yesterday.
The President, in a video message posted on his social media account, said this is on top of the 143 Filipinos who were also granted pardon in June 2024, on the occasion of the Eid’l Adha.
He said the pardon is proof of the strong relationship between the UAS and the Philippines.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whom I also had the honor to meet, for this compassionate gesture,” Marcos said.
Arrangements for the return of the pardoned Filipinos are being processed, Marcos said, and wished them a trip home.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in a statement, said its office and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi is processing the documentary and administrative requirements for the immediate return of the pardoned Filipinos to the country.
It added the UAE usually grants pardons on December 2 to celebrate its national day but the pardon for the Filipinos was announced on December 26.
The DFA did not mention the offenses the pardoned Filipinos committed but said that the pardon “was granted in view of the distinguished friendship between the two countries.”
“It is the direct result of President Marcos’ meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, last November,” it said.
In June 2024, the UAE also granted pardon to 143 detained Filipinos on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
The DFA had said then that the pardoned Filipinos committed minor offenses and did not include anyone in death row.
The DFA said it usually submits its appeals to UAE for pardons during important occasions such as Eid’l Adha, Eid’l Fitr.
In 2023, UAE granted pardon to 971 foreign nationals on the occasion of Eid’l Fitr.
Pardons are granted to inmates who have served a portion of their sentence, shown good conduct, and completed rehabilitation and reform programs.
