UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan . ARCHIVE

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned 115 Filipino convicts in the emirates, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressing his gratitude to the UAE leader. The Filipinos were convicted of various offences in the UAE. The presidential pardon came as part of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr clemency measures. The UAE Embassy in Manila informed the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, requesting assistance in relaying the names of those pardoned. In a statement on Saturday (March 29), Marcos said the UAE’s gesture shows its commitment to humanitarian values and brings renewed hope to the families of those pardoned. “The UAE Ambassador in Manila has personally informed us that for this season’s Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, no less than 115 convicted Filipinos have been set free,” Marcos announced. “On behalf of the Philippine government, we extend our sincerest thanks to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this compassionate act,” he added. Marcos emphasized the strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the UAE, noting that nearly one million Filipinos have made the UAE their home. “This gesture is a reflection of our countries’ special partnership, as embodied in the nearly one million Filipinos who have made the Emirates their home,” he said. The UAE has a history of extending royal pardons to Filipino convicts. Last year, 143 Filipinos were granted clemency during Eid Al Adha, while 220 were pardoned on the UAE’s National Day. According to the Philippine Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the pardon underscores the significance of second chances. “The gesture of compassion will spark a wave of relief and joy among the families of the pardoned convicts, many of whom have been separated from their loved ones for years,” the PCO said in a statement. ICA/Expat Media
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