MANILA, Philippines – Qatar has granted clemency to 10 Filipino prisoners, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday, January 7.
The DFA said in a statement that based on the report of the Philippine embassy in Doha, the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, granted clemency to 10 Filipinos – 9 men and one woman – on the occasion of Qatar National Day celebrated every December 18.
The Emir usually issues pardons twice a year – on Qatar National Day, and during the holy month of Ramadan. In July 2015, the Emir pardoned 12 Filipino prisoners of on the occasion of Ramadan.
The DFA did not disclose the identities of the Filipino workers as well as their offenses, but said that “those granted clemency are often those who have already served a substantial portion of their sentences."
It added that embassy officials are now processing the repatriation of the OFWs in coordination with the Search and Follow-Up Department under Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. – Rappler.com