President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday expressed gratitude to United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for granting clemency to 115 Filipino convicts during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The Embassy of the UAE in Manila on Friday informed the Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – Office of the Middle East and African Affairs, about the royal pardon.

Marcos thanked the UAE president for the pardon, saying it would bring hope to the convicts’ families and signifies the Gulf state’s commitment to humanitarian values.

“The UAE Ambassador in Manila has personally informed us that for this season’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, no less than 115 convicted Filipinos have been set free,” Marcos said in a statement.

“On behalf of the Philippine government, we extend our sincerest thanks to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this compassionate act,” he added.

Marcos said the gesture of compassion is a reflection of both nations’ special partnership, recalling the 143 Filipinos who were also granted pardon during last year’s Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) in June and 220 others on the occasion of the UAE’s National Day in December.

He stressed the importance of fostering strong ties with the UAE, which is home to nearly one million Filipinos.

“As the Philippines celebrates this momentous occasion, both nations reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, ensuring that such acts of kindness pave the way for continued cooperation and understanding in the years to come,” Marcos said.

The Philippine Embassy in the UAE and the Consulate General in Dubai, along with the Filipino community, likewise expressed their “profound gratitude” for the pardon.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE; and to the esteemed government of the UAE for the gracious grant of royal clemency to 115 Filipino nationals previously convicted of various offenses. This act of generosity and compassion exemplifies the true spirit of mercy during the sacred occasion of Ramadan and the values of unity and goodwill,” the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA said the Philippine Embassy, Consulate General, and Migrant Workers Offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain fully committed to ensuring the welfare of Filipino nationals in the UAE.

“The Embassy and the Consulate stand ready to extend the necessary assistance to facilitate the safe and expeditious return of those granted clemency,” the statement read.

The Embassy of the UAE in Manila, meanwhile, requested assistance in relaying the names of Filipino convicts who were pardoned, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a separate statement.

The PCO said the pardon would bring relief and joy among the families, many of whom have been separated from their loved ones for years.

“This royal pardon also underscores the importance of compassion and second chances in the spirit of Ramadan. It is a sign of the UAE government’s high respect for President Marcos,” it said. (PNA)