220 Pinoys in UAE pardoned, DFA exec says

A total of 220 Filipinos detained in the United Arab Emirates have been pardoned, a Foreign Affairs official said Monday.

DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the pardon was made on the occasion of UAE's 53rd National Day on December 2, 2024. 

She said the pardon was granted ''in view of the distinguished friendship between the two countries.'' 

''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,'' Lazaro said. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi are already processing the documentary and administrative requirements for the immediate return of the pardoned Filipino nationals to Manila. 

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. thanked the UAE government for the pardon given to more than 200 Filipinos. 

''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,'' Marcos said in a separate statement.

Marcos said the documents and papers of the pardoned Filipinos are being processed by authorities.

The pardoned Filipinos were detained in the UAE for various offenses, Lazaro said. 

In June 2024, a total of 143 Filipinos detained in the UAE were also pardoned on the occasion of Eid'l Adha.—AOL, GMA Integrated News