UAE pardons three  convicted Filipinos

CEBU, Philippines — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pardoned three Filipinos – two of whom on death row due to drug trafficking – Malacañang announced on Friday night.

President Marcos thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for granting his request to grant three Filipinos humanitarian pardon during a telephone conversation on Friday, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil.

In a statement, the PCO said it was Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. who broke the news to Marcos late Thursday after receiving a message from UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi.

“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 1 sentenced for 15 years for the crime of slander, has been granted for humanitarian pardon by our President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” the PCO quoted Alzaabi as telling Abalos.

In two separate letters last April 27, Marcos asked Sheikh Mohamed to grant the three Filipino prisoners humanitarian pardon.

Of the three prisoners, two were sentenced to death for drug trafficking while the other one was sentenced for 15 years for slander, the PCO said.

During their phone conversation, Marcos also thanked Sheikh Mohamed for extending assistance to families displaced by the ongoing Mayon Volcano eruption in Albay. The UAE has sent 50 tons of food supplies and medicine to evacuees.

For his part, the UAE leader noted the valuable contribution of some 600,000 Filipinos working in his country.

“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 was quoted as telling Sheikh Mohamed.

Sheikh Mohamed also reiterated his invitation to Marcos to attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in December.

The invitation was first relayed to Marcos by UAE Ambassador Mohamed during his courtesy call in Malacañang last week.

In an interview in Taguig City on June 15, Marcos said he is keen on attending the COP28, which will take place in Dubai on Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.

Marcos also invited Sheikh Mohamed to visit the Philippines, saying the UAE leader is always welcome to come to the country, according to PCO. — (FREEMAN)