RIYADH: A Filipino migrant advocacy group said Friday there were about 50 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in various jails in Saudi Arabia who have launched a desperate appeal for a royal pardon from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

The United OFWs Worldwide (U-OFWs) convener John Monterona claimed that the Philippine Embassy has not provided him with the number of OFW inmates who have met the criteria for a pardon.

Monterona said there were 30 OFW inmates at the Malaz jail, 20 at the Al-Hair jail, and at least five in Al-Kharj, all in Riyadh province. They have been pleading for their inclusion. “There are at least 50 of them who have contacted me from their respective detention cells wishing to be included in the royal pardon,” he said. At the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi government pardoned several prisoners who committed petty crimes. This has become a tradition in the Kingdom during every Ramadan.

Those freed included people who abused drugs and alcohol four or fewer times, and found in possession of small amounts; those who disobeyed their parents; and others convicted for not paying debt.

Meanwhile, nearly 80 stranded OFWs in Riyadh have appealed to President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte for their speedy repatriation.