An aircraft flies near the landmark Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the worlds tallest building, above the Dubai skyline on February 13, 2024. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse
MANILA, Philippines — Two hundred twenty Filipinos detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were pardoned on the occasion of the country’s 53rd National Day, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said on Monday.
The UAE traditionally grants pardons on its National Day celebrated every December 2nd.
“The pardon for Filipinos, announced on 26 December 2024, was granted in view of the distinguished friendship between the two countries. It is the direct result of President [Ferdinand] Marcos’ meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, last November,” Lazaro said in a statement.
READ: Marcos meets UAE president to discuss areas of cooperation
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi are now processing the documentary and administrative requirements for the return of the pardoned Filipinos.
Last June, a total of 143 Filipinos detained in the UAE were also issued release orders on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
