MANILA, Philippines — Some 220 Filipinos have been granted a pardon by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as part of the country’s celebration of its 53rd National Day, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Monday.

“Mga minamahal kong kababayan, ikinagagalak kong ipabatid na sa okasyon ng ikalimampu’t tatlong National Day ng United Arab Emirates, dalawang daan at dalawampung Pilipino ang pinagkalooban ng pardon ni Kanyang Kamahalan Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” Marcos said in a video message.

He also expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for this “compassionate gesture.” 

“We extend, of course, 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 very compassionate gesture,” he said.

This recent pardon brings the total number of Filipinos pardoned to 363, as 143 were granted pardons earlier during the Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The President emphasized that this act reflects the strong ties between the Philippines and the UAE. 

He ikewise noted that the necessary documents are being processed to facilitate the return of those pardoned to the Philippines.

“Sa kanilang pag-uwi, nawa’y maging ligtas ang kanilang paglalakbay pauwi sa kanilang mahal na lupang tinubuan,” he said.

Marcos had visited the UAE last November, where he secured several bilateral agreements during a one-day working trip that was described as “short but highly productive.”

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UAE were formally established on August 19, 1974.