President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the pardon of 220 Filipinos who are detained in the Gulf State.

In a video message, Marcos said the pardon of the Filipinos was a testament to the strong relationship between Manila and Abu Dhabi.

“Ang desisyong ito, na karagdagan sa isang daan at apatnapu’t tatlong Pilipino na nabigyan ng pardon noong Eid al-Adha, ay patunay ng matibay na ugnayan ng ating mga bansa (This decision, in addition to the 143 Filipinos who were pardoned during Eid al-Adha, is proof of the strong ties between our countries),” Marcos said.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whom I also had the honor to meet, for this compassionate gesture,” he added.

The President said the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi are currently processing the documentary and administrative requirements for the immediate return of the pardoned Filipino nationals to the country.

“Sa kanilang pag-uwi, nawa’y maging ligtas ang kanilang paglalakbay pauwi sa kanilang mahal na lupang tinubuan (As they return home, may their return to their beloved homeland be safe),” he said. (PNA)