MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting pardon to 220 Filipinos detained in the Gulf State.
In a video message on Monday evening, the Chief Executive said the pardon of the Filipinos was a testament to the strong relationship between Manila and Abu Dhabi.
“Ang desisyong ito, na karagdagan sa isang daan at apatnapu’t tatlong Pilipino na nabigyan ng pardon noong Eid al-Adha, ay patunay ng matibay na ugnayan ng ating mga bansa,” Marcos said.
He added: “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.”
President Marcos stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi are now processing the documentary and administrative requirements for the immediate return of the pardoned Filipino nationals to the country.
“Sa kanilang pag-uwi, nawa’y maging ligtas ang kanilang paglalakbay pauwi sa kanilang mahal na lupang tinubuan,” President Marcos said.
The DFA said on Monday that a total of 220 Filipinos detained in the UAE were pardoned on the occasion of the Gulf State’s 53rd National Day.
The pardon for Filipinos, which was announced on Dec. 26, 2024, was granted in view of the distinguished friendship between the two countries, the agency added.
“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,” the DFA said in a statement.
In June last year, a total of 143 Filipinos detained in the UAE were also given pardon on the occasion of Eid al-Adha./PN
