143 Pinoys pardoned in UAE, says Marcos

Over a hundred Filipinos have been pardoned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Ferdinand “Bongbong”  Marcos Jr. announced Tuesday, following his phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

“I expressed my gratitude for the kindness extended to them, particularly their generous pardon of 143 Filipinos, which has brought relief to many families,” Marcos said.

Marcos said he had a phone call with Bin Zayed on Monday. 

The President did not provide details regarding the pardon, but according to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the pardon was given on the occasion of the Eid'l Adha in June and that those pardoned had committed relatively minor offenses. 

"We were formally informed of this by the UAE Embassy last August, and the Philippines appreciates this kind gesture of our friends from the United Arab Emirates,"  De Vega said.

Meanwhile, Marcos also thanked the UAE leader for the assistance they gave to the Philippines following the recent cyclones that struck the country.

“I extended to him my heartfelt thanks for the UAE’s humanitarian aid in the wake of the recent typhoons and floods that struck the Philippines,” he said. 

He added that it “is always inspiring to hear how our Filipino workers continue to excel and make a positive contribution in the UAE.”

Marcos said the Philippines and UAE have shared strong bonds that was rooted in the values and aspirations of its citizens. 

“I look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead,” he said. —KBK, GMA Integrated News