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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos thanks UAE for its 'compassionate gesture' in pardoning 220 Filipinos

Marcos thanks UAE for its 'compassionate gesture' in pardoning 220 Filipinos

Published Jan 6, 2025 09:41 am

President Marcos has expressed his gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting pardon to 220 Filipinos who were detained for various offenses.

BBM UAE visit.jpg
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Nov. 26, 2024 to discuss opportunities to further deepen the cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines across vital fields, including economy, trade, and sustainability. (Photo from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan X account)

In a video message on Monday, Jan. 6, Marcos thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the "compassionate gesture" given to the Filipinos facing various offenses in the foreign country.

"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," Marcos said.

The President said the documents of the pardoned Filipinos are now being processed to facilitate their return to the country. He also hopes for their safe travel back to the country.

According to Marcos, the pardon for Filipino nationals was made during the celebration of the 53rd National Day of UAE on Dec. 2, 2024.

The decision, he added, proves that both countries continue to have a strong relationship.

"Ang desisyong ito, na karagdagan sa isang daan at apatnapu't tatlong Pilipino na nabigyan ng pardon noong Eid al-Adha, ay patunay ng matibay na ugnayan ng ating mga bansa (This decision, which adds to the 143 Filipinos pardoned during the Eid al-Adha is a testament of our countries' strong relations)," Marcos said.

It can be recalled that Marcos flew to the UAE in late November last year where he had a “short but highly productive” working visit.

The President’s one-day working visit to the UAE coincided with the 50th anniversary of “very strong and friendly, and rapidly progressing” diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UAE, which were established on August 19, 1974.

During his visit, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding into new areas of engagement. He then reported his productive meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting mutual respect and collaboration.

“I expressed the appreciation of the Philippines for UAE government’s care and respect for the Filipino community in the UAE. In response, the UAE President commended the Filipino people for their contributions towards UAE’s development,” Marcos then said.

Related Tags

United Arab Emirates President Marcos PARDON UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
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