President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Monday that 220 Filipinos were pardoned by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Mga minamahal kong kababayan, ikinagagalak kong ipabatid na sa okasyon ng ikalimampu’t tatlong National Day ng United Arab Emirates, dalawang daan at dalawampung Pilipino ang pinagkalooban ng pardon ni Kanyang Kamahalan Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” President Marcos said in a video message.
This increases the total number of Filipinos pardoned to 363, following the earlier pardon of 143 individuals during Eid al-Adha.
Furthermore, Marcos emphasized that this decision by the UAE is a testament to the strong relationship between the Philippines and the UAE.
"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," said Marcos.
The documents of the Filipinos granted pardon are still being processed for their immediate repatriation.
Additionally, the President conveyed his hope that the Filipinos would have a secure and safe trip as they made their way back home.
In November, Marcos returned to the Philippines following a one-day working visit to the UAE, describing the trip as brief but productive.
