MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government expressed gratitude for the pardon granted to 15 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) imprisoned in Qatar.
In a radio interview on Saturday, June 11, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr thanked Qatar's Emir Seikh Al Thani for granting royal clemency to the OFWs imprisoned in the country.
The pardon coincided with the Muslim celebration of the month of Ramadan.
"This is a manifestation of the continued good communication of Philippines and Qatar," he said.
Coloma didn't identify the 15 OFWs. But a report from the Department of Foreign Affairs said they had committed only light offenses.
The Emir usually issues pardons twice a year – on Qatar National Day every December 18, and during the holy month of Ramadan.
Last year, the Emir pardoned 12 Filipino prisoners on the occasion of Ramadan in July, and 10 Filipinos – including a woman – on the occasion of Qatar National Day.
The DFA said that embassy officials are now processing the repatriation of the pardoned OFWs. – Rappler.com