Twenty-four Filipino workers who had been stranded in Russia for nine months due to immigration violations returned to the Philippines early Sunday, June 21, 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced.
Arrival and Reception
The Filipinos arrived in Manila in the early morning hours, where they were greeted by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and other Philippine officials. The repatriation followed a directive from Russian President Vladimir Putin granting their release.
Presidential Intervention
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had raised the case of the 24 Filipinos detained in Yakutsk, Russian Federation, during a bilateral meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on June 17. In response to Marcos's request, Russian authorities expedited the workers' release, ending months of uncertainty for them and their families.
Gratitude and Coordination
Marcos expressed gratitude to Putin for his positive response and to Russian authorities for their cooperation in resolving the matter. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) coordinated the entire repatriation process.
