MANILA – A total of 220 Filipinos detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were pardoned on the occasion of the Gulf State’s 53rd National Day, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.
The UAE leadership traditionally grants pardons to celebrate its national day on December 2, according to the DFA.
The pardon for Filipinos, which was announced on December 26, 2024, was granted in view of the distinguished friendship between the two countries, the agency added.
“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,” the DFA said in a statement.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi are currently processing the documentary and administrative requirements for the immediate return of the pardoned Filipino nationals to the country.
The pardoned individuals were detained in the UAE for various offenses.
In June last year, a total of 143 Filipinos detained in the UAE were also pardoned on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. (PNA)