Doha pardons 12 Filipinos during Ramadan

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MANILA — In observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the government of Qatar has pardoned 12 Filipinos who are currently serving their sentences in the Middle East state.

In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in Doha said clemency was extended to 12 Filipinos — 11 males and one female — by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The pardon is part of an annual Ramadan tradition across the Gulf.

The Emir usually issues this twice a year, during Ramadan and the Qatari National Day in December.

Those granted clemency are often those who have already served a substantial portion of their sentences.

The embassy said it is in the process of facilitating the early repatriation of the pardoned Filipinos and has been coordinating with the Search and Follow-Up Department under the Ministry of Interior.