More than 100 Filipinos were pardoned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Marcos disclosed.
Marcos said he was able to speak with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Monday, Oct. 14, to thank him for the "generous pardon of 143 Filipinos."
"I had the privilege of speaking with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the UAE," Marcos said in a statement.
"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 added.
According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, the cases the pardoned Filipinos were involved in "were not for major offenses like death penalty cases, but for relatively minor offenses."
“On the occasion of this year’s Eid al Adha which was celebrated last June, the UAE government pardoned 143 Filipinos serving time in UAE. 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.
Marcos also extended his gratitude for UAE's humanitarian aid in the wake of the recent typhoons and floods that struck the Philippines.
The President expressed that "it is always inspiring to hear how our Filipino workers continue to excel and make a positive contribution in the UAE" as he told the UAE President that he looks forward to strengthening the ties of both countries.
"Our nations share strong bonds, rooted in the values and aspirations of our peoples, and I look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead," he said.