Twenty-four Filipinos who were detained in Russia for nearly nine months arrived safely in the Philippines early Sunday morning, following a successful diplomatic intervention by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The breakthrough came after President Marcos Jr. personally discussed the detainees’ situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan.
The repatriated workers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in two separate groups via connecting flights from Bangkok, Thailand. The initial group of six Filipinos landed just after midnight on Philippine Airlines (PAL) Flight PR737, while the remaining 18 citizens arrived later that morning aboard PAL Flight PR733.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac were at the terminal to personally welcome the returning Filipinos.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the successful repatriation operation was executed in close coordination with Russian authorities, with vital logistical support from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
President Marcos Jr. had previously announced the group’s imminent return following his discussions with the Russian leader. The President noted that the individuals had been held in the Siberian city of Irkutsk for about nine months without any formal charges being filed against them.
He also extended his appreciation to President Putin and the Russian government for their cooperation in swiftly resolving the issue.
Initial investigations by Philippine authorities indicate that the repatriated citizens may have fallen victim to illegal recruitment schemes, which subsequently led to their detention over potential immigration violations.
Government welfare agencies confirmed that the returnees will be provided with immediate financial assistance and comprehensive reintegration support.
Meanwhile, local state agencies are continuing their investigation into the illegal recruitment networks responsible for sending the workers to Russia.