President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his gratitude to the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for pardoning 220 Filipinos.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the pardon was granted on the occasion of UAE's 53rd National Day, celebrated every 2 December 2024. The UAE announced the pardon on 26 December 2024.

In June 2024, Sheikh Mohamed also pardoned 143 Filipinos.

In November, Marcos traveled to the UAE 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," Marcos said.

Strengthened relations lead to clemency

The DFA noted that the Filipinos pardoned had committed various offenses. It also emphasized the strong relationship between the two countries, which facilitated the clemency.

"The pardon for Filipinos, announced on 26 December 2024, was granted in view of the distinguished friendship between the two countries," DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro stated.

"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," she added.

The DFA, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, is processing the documentary and administrative requirements for the immediate return of the pardoned Filipino nationals.

Meanwhile, President Marcos extended his well-wishes to the returning Filipinos for a safe journey home.