A total of 220 Filipinos were pardoned by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in celebration of the UAE’s 53rd National Day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced.
“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,” Marcos Jr. said in a video message.
“We extend, of course, 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 very compassionate gesture,” he added.
This recent pardon brings the total number of Filipinos granted clemency to 363, with 143 previously pardoned during Eid al-Adha.
The decision reflects the strong ties between the two nations, the President said. He also noted that the necessary documents are being processed to facilitate the return of the pardoned individuals to the Philippines.
“Sa kanilang pag-uwi, nawa’y maging ligtas ang kanilang paglalakbay pauwi sa kanilang mahal na lupang tinubuan,” he also said.IMT
