Marcos says 143 Filipinos pardoned by UAE

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, as shared in a social media post on Tuesday, October 15. | Photo from President Marcos’ Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday that 143 Filipinos have been pardoned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Marcos made the announcement after a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

“It is always inspiring to hear how our Filipino workers continue to excel and make a positive contribution in the UAE,” said Marcos in a social media post.

READ: 3 Filipinos pardoned by UAE may return to PH within one month — DFA official

“I expressed my gratitude for the kindness extended to them, particularly their generous pardon of 143 Filipinos, which has brought relief to many families,” he added.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs Usec. Eduardo De Vega, the 143 Filipinos were pardoned in June, during the celebration of Eid’l Adha.

“These were not for major offenses like death penalty cases, but for relatively minor offenses,” said De Vega in a Viber message to INQUIRER.net.

READ: 45 more Filipinos repatriated from UAE

Meanwhile, Marcos said he also expressed gratitude to Zayed for the humanitarian aid provided by the UAE to the Philippines after recent typhoons and flooding.

The President then renewed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the UAE and the Philippines, noting how both countries “share strong bonds, rooted in the values and aspirations of our peoples.”