Returning Filipino workers arrive in Manila after release from detention in Russia.
Russia has released 24 Filipinos who had been held for months without charges in a Siberian city, Philippine officials said on Saturday.
The workers returned to Manila on two flights early Sunday.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro welcomed the first group after accompanying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan.
Meanwhile, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac received the second group and confirmed government support for the returning workers.
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Marcos Raises Case During Putin Meeting
The release came shortly after Marcos raised concerns directly with Putin during a bilateral meeting in Russia.
Marcos attended regional events as the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
At the summit, ASEAN leaders marked 35 years of diplomatic relations with Russia.
During discussions with Putin, Marcos highlighted the case of the detained Filipinos.
According to Philippine officials, the workers had remained in custody for about nine months in Yakutsk, a city in eastern Siberia.
At the time, authorities had not filed charges against them.
Russia Promised to Address Concerns
After the meeting, Marcos said Putin told him he had not previously known about the issue.
However, the Russian president promised to review the matter.
Later, during a dinner meeting, Putin informed Marcos that Russian authorities had not charged the Filipinos with any offences.
Marcos said Russian officials later notified the Philippine delegation that the workers would return to Manila.
Recruitment Concerns Emerge
Philippine authorities said reports suggested the workers may have become victims of illegal recruitment.
Officials also said possible immigration-related issues may have led to their detention.
Meanwhile, the case drew attention because of the broader diplomatic relationship between Manila and Moscow.
The Philippines remains a key treaty ally of the United States in Asia.
Previously, it joined most ASEAN members in supporting a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Moscow Igor Bailen, around 15,000 Filipinos currently live and work across Russia.
