PH lauds UAE for pardon of 68 Filipinos

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine government conveyed its deep appreciation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting humanitarian pardon to 68 Filipino detainees in celebration of Eid al-Adha last month.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the clemency reflects strong and enduring ties.

“This generous and benevolent gesture is a testament to the robust bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE, and a lasting gift to the families of the pardoned Filipinos,” the DFA said.

The announcement came a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged the role of key Middle Eastern countries in extending clemency to Filipino workers during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Gayundin, dahil sa ating masigasig na pakikipag-ugnayan, sa loob ng tatlong taon, nagawaran ng kapatawaran ang mahigit anim na raang kababayan nating nahatulan, dahil sa sari-saring paglabag sa batas sa ibang bansa, lalo na sa UAE, sa Qatar, sa Bahrain, at sa iba pa,” Marcos said.

[Translation: Likewise, because of our active diplomatic engagement, in the past three years more than 600 Filipinos convicted of various offenses overseas - especially in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and others - were granted clemency.]

Marcos personally extended his thanks during the SONA: “For their crucial and most beneficent sovereign interventions, I personally convey the entire nation’s sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and to all the leaders of various countries that have granted clemency and have shown kindness to our beleaguered compatriots.”

The DFA confirmed that arrangements are under way for the repatriation of the 68 Filipinos.