Twenty-four overseas Filipinos who had been detained in the Russian Federation for nearly nine months have safely returned to the Philippines, with government officials crediting diplomatic efforts initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for securing their release.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the first batch of six women arrived shortly after midnight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 and was welcomed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Theresa Lazaro, DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay, officials from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other government representatives.
A second batch composed of 18 Filipinos—16 women and two men—arrived at around 4:05 a.m. and was received by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and other officials.
According to Lazaro, the Filipinos' release became possible after President Marcos raised their situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting in Kazan, Russian Federation, on June 17.
“Gusto lang naming ipaalam sa inyo na deeply concerned si President Marcos sa kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan. Karamihan sa kanila ay kababaihan. Sa 24, dalawa lamang ang lalaki,” Lazaro said.
She added that the request was immediately granted by Putin, describing it as “a very important act of goodwill.”
“I think this is the first case of its kind na may nailabas tayong mga kababayan from Russia. And to tell you also, nung hiningi ito ni President Marcos, ibinigay kaagad ni President Putin. That is a very important act of goodwill,” she said.
Upon their arrival, the repatriates received immediate assistance from the DFA, DMW, OWWA, and other government agencies, including temporary accommodation when necessary and transportation back to their respective provinces.
Meanwhile, Cacdac said the DMW would obtain statements from the repatriated Filipinos to determine how they ended up in Russia and whether illegal recruitment or human trafficking was involved in their cases.
“Titingnan natin kung paano sila nakarating sa Russia, whether or not may illegal recruitment o human trafficking dito sa Pilipinas. Kailangan din nating maibigay ang tulong na nararapat para sa kanila,” Cacdac said.
The DMW, together with OWWA, assured the returnees of financial assistance, transportation support, temporary shelter, legal guidance when needed, and post-repatriation programs such as training, livelihood opportunities, and employment assistance.
The government emphasized that its support does not end with the repatriates’ safe return, as efforts will continue to help them reintegrate with their families, communities, and rebuild their futures.
