Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially granted a ‘humanitarian pardon’ to 68 Filipino detainees, as announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday. This decision coincided with the celebration of Eid al-Adha last month and highlights the ongoing diplomatic relations between the two nations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA stated that this act of clemency is a reflection of the strong bilateral ties between the Philippines and the UAE. The pardon is seen as a significant gesture that brings relief and joy to the families of the pardoned individuals.
The DFA has not yet disclosed further specifics about the release process of these Filipino detainees. However, the announcement has been received positively, reflecting the collaborative efforts between the two countries.
In a related development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday that over the past three years, more than 600 Filipinos convicted for various offenses have been granted pardons. The President emphasized that these developments are a result of the Philippines’ strong and proactive engagement with host countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.