Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Thursday lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his successful visit to the United Arab Emirates, which reinforced the growing partnership between the two nations as they mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
In his arrival statement, President Marcos expressed optimism about the implementation of several bilateral agreements in culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, artificial intelligence and digital economy, the improvement of government activities, visa waiver for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports, and investment cooperation.
The President also expressed its gratitude to the UAE government, led by its President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the arrest of Teddy Jay Mejia, a serial child trafficker accused of exploiting and abusing 111 underage girls.
Abalos played a pivotal role in the arrest due to his strong collaboration with the UAE government, particularly with Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 2023 World Government Summit in Dubai, where they mutually agreed to cooperate in advancing peace and security. This partnership proved instrumental in tracking and apprehending Mejia, a notorious trafficker.
Mejia was apprehended in the UAE in September and subsequently brought back to the Philippines by Abalos and Gen. Portia Manalad to face multiple charges, including qualified trafficking, statutory rape, and violations of Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.
“This partnership with the UAE goes beyond economic collaboration—it is a united stand against transnational crimes,” Abalos said.
He said the bilateral agreements, as mentioned in the President’s arrival statement, underscore both nations’ commitment to helping each other and preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
“The UAE is not just a partner in trade; it has become a significant investor in our country’s growth and a second home to millions of Filipinos,” Abalos said.
Beyond economic ties, the senatorial candidate under the Ayansa Para sa Pagbabago 2025 said humanitarian assistance from the UAE has bolstered relations.
“Humanitarian and development assistance have been an integral part of our 50-year diplomatic history. We thank the President for deepening our ties with the UAE and we appreciate the UAE government’s continued support and assistance to the Philippines,” Abalos said.
