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Three Convicted Filipinos Pardoned By UAE
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spoke on the phone and President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday, June 23, 2023. Photo courtesy of PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for pardoning three convicted Filipinos, two of whom were on death row and were already serving their sentences in the emirate state.

The announcement came during a telephone call between the two leaders, where President Marcos conveyed his appreciation for the recent decision.

Late Thursday, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. informed President Marcos about the pardon after receiving a message from UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi.

The UAE Ambassador relayed the news, stating, "Good evening, Secretary. I am pleased to inform you that the appeal of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for three Filipinos, two of which are sentenced to death because of drug trafficking and one sentenced for 15 years for the crime of slander, has been granted humanitarian pardon by our President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan."

President Marcos had submitted two separate letters on April 27, appealing to Sheikh Mohamed to grant humanitarian pardons to the three Filipino prisoners. Two of them were facing death sentences for drug trafficking, while the third had been sentenced to 15 years for slander.
During their conversation, President Marcos also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed for the UAE's assistance to families affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano. The UAE had dispatched 50 tons of food supplies and medicine to aid the evacuees.

In response, Sheikh Mohamed acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the approximately 600,000 Filipinos working in the UAE. "I am thankful because you have done so much for us. That's the least we can do," President Marcos quoted Sheikh Mohamed as saying. Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and highlighted the excellent treatment of Filipino nationals in the UAE.

Furthermore, Sheikh Mohamed extended an invitation to President Marcos to attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which will be held in Dubai in December. The initial invitation was extended by UAE Ambassador Mohamed during his recent visit to Malacañang, the presidential palace.

In a reciprocal gesture, President Marcos warmly invited Sheikh Mohamed to visit the Philippines, emphasizing that the UAE leader is always welcome in the country.
Jun 24, 2023
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