The UAE pardons 68 Filipino detainees, the Philippine government calls it "the warmest gift."

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced that the UAE pardoned 68 Filipino detainees during the Eid al-Adha, considered "the warmest gift of the festival." Most of the released individuals were detained for cyber fraud crimes and are expected to gradually return to their families with the assistance of both governments.

The Foreign Affairs stated that this humanitarian pardon reflects the UAE's spirit of tolerance and also showcases the deep bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE. The statement said: "This is not only an act of kindness but also rekindles hope and laughter in many Filipino families."

Data shows that during this year's Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr alone, 115 Filipino citizens were released by the UAE; last year during Eid al-Adha, 143 people, and during the UAE National Day, even more, reaching 220 people were pardoned or released early. Since 2024, several Middle Eastern countries have collectively pardoned nearly 600 Filipino detainees.

President Marcos has also publicly thanked the Middle Eastern countries for their goodwill, stating that such pardons provide "a second life" for overseas Filipino workers and simultaneously strengthen the strategic cooperation between the Philippines and Middle Eastern countries.

The Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it will continue to advocate for the legal rights of overseas nationals and called on other countries to show a similar spirit of humanity during festive periods.