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Photos are for illustration purposes.
Marika Jara Pujold, senior reporter
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, pardoned two Filipinos on death row and one sentenced to 15 years in prison for humanitarian reasons.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Weil released the official statement to Gulf Today on Monday.
“Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi expresses gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for releasing three Filipinos (two on death row and one already imprisoned for 15 years), on behalf of the three Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
“This was conveyed in a phone call between Marcos and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed earlier today (Friday, June 23) at 12 noon UAE time (4 pm Philippine time).
“The granting of a humanitarian pardon is a testament to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s abiding compassion and continued tolerance for Filipinos in the UAE and the more than 200 ethnic groups in the country.” Late Sunday night, reporters received a link to an independent news video from the Philippines that read Sheikh Mohammed granted absolute pardon and freedom to three Filipinos.
The Filipino news video was originally uploaded and viewed online three days ago, on June 24.
Two people awaiting execution were found guilty of drug trafficking, the video showed. The felon was jailed for 15 years for “paninirang-puri,” or defamation.
According to the video, President Marcos Jr., during a phone call with Sheikh Mohamed on June 23, expressed his deepest appreciation and thanks on behalf of the three OFWs for the approval of his request.
The video shows that on April 27, 2023, President Marcos Jr. wrote two separate letters of appeal to Sheikh Mohamed on behalf of two OFWs.
According to the video, “Last Thursday” (June 23), the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, Mohamed Obaid Alqatam Alzabi, conveyed President Marcos Jr.’s message to Sheikh Mohammed through the Philippine Department of the Interior. request, as well as Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., who was on an official visit to the UAE in the second week of May.
“Good evening Secretary of State, I am pleased to inform you that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appeal has been granted for three Filipinos, two of whom were sentenced to death for drug trafficking and one to 15 years for libel. A humanitarian pardon has been granted by our President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
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