THE United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has granted pardon to three convicted Filipinos, including two who were on death row, the Malacañang announced Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Malacañang said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and thanked him for granting the request he made two months ago.
Two of the Filipinos were sentenced to death after being convicted over drug charges while the other one was given 15 years imprisonment due to slander.
Marcos made the request through two letters sent to the UAE President on April 7 to grant the three prisoners humanitarian pardon.
“I am thankful because you have done so much for us. That’s the least we can do. Then the usual things about having stronger relations and I said my part about the very good treatment of Filipino nationals in UAE,” Marcos told Al Nahyan during their phone conversation.
Marcos also thanked Al Nahyan for extending assistance to displaced families due to the Mayon Volcano’s restiveness.
The UAE has sent 50 tons of food supplies and medicine to Mayon evacuees.
Marcos said the UAE President also reiterated his invitation for him to attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in December.
The invitation was first relayed to Marcos by UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi during his courtesy call in Malacañang last week.
Marcos also invited Al Nahyan to come to the Philippines, saying the UAE leader is always welcome to come to the country. (SunStar Philippines)