MANILA, Philippines — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pardoned 115 Filipino convicts in observance of Ramadan and Eid-Al-Fitr, President Ferdinand Marcos said.

“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,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in a statement, noting that similar pardons were granted in previous years.

According to Marcos, the UAE has extended clemency to Filipino nationals on various occasions, including the pardon of 143 individuals during last year’s Eid-Al-Adha and 220 on the UAE National Day.

“This gesture reflects the strong ties between our countries, as seen in the nearly one million Filipinos who have made the Emirates their home,” he added.

The UAE Embassy in Manila relayed the decision to the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA) on March 28, 2025, requesting assistance in informing the families of those granted clemency.

The pardon is expected to bring relief to the individuals and their families, many of whom have been separated for years, he said.

“On behalf of the Philippine government, we extend our thanks to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this decision,” Marcos said.

Government officials view the pardon as part of the broader diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UAE, with Marcos noting the importance of continued cooperation between the two nations.

“As we acknowledge this development, both nations reaffirm their commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations,” he said.