President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday after it pardoned over 200 Filipinos convicted of various crimes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said this was done on the occasion of the UAE’s 53rd National Day, celebrated every 2 December.

The UAE announced the pardon only on 26 December. The Palace confirmed it yesterday.

In June 2024, Sheikh Mohamed also pardoned 143 Filipinos.

Marcos traveled to the UAE last November to meet with the Emirati leader and strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and the UAE.

“We extend 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 compassionate gesture,” he said.

The DFA said the Filipinos who were pardoned had committed various offenses. It highlighted the relationship between the two countries, which led to the pardoning of the Filipinos.

“The pardon for the Filipinos, announced on 26 December, was granted in view of the distinguished friendship between the two countries,” said DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

“It was the direct result of President Marcos’s meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, last November,” she said.

The DFA said it was processing the documentary and administrative requirements together with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi for the immediate return of the Filipino nationals.

Meanwhile, Marcos wished the returning Filipinos a safe journey home.