President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has extended his heartfelt thanks to United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for granting clemency to 115 Filipino prisoners during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Philippine government was formally informed of the pardon by the UAE Embassy in Manila through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“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 said in a statement.
He called the move a meaningful gesture of goodwill, not just for the families of those released, but also as a sign of the UAE’s humanitarian commitment. “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.
This isn’t the first time the UAE has granted such clemency. The President recalled that 143 Filipinos were also pardoned during Eid al-Adha last year, and another 220 during the UAE’s National Day in December.
Marcos emphasized that such acts reflect the strong bond between the Philippines and the UAE, home to nearly a million Filipinos. “As the Philippines celebrates this momentous occasion, both nations reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UAE Embassy in Manila has requested help in relaying the names of the pardoned individuals, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
In a separate statement, the PCO noted that the clemency serves as a source of hope for the families long separated from their loved ones. “This royal pardon also underscores the importance of compassion and second chances in the spirit of Ramadan. It is a sign of the UAE Government’s high respect for President Marcos,” it said.
