The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that 24 Filipinos detained in Russia for nine months due to immigration violations have been successfully brought back to the Philippines. The workers arrived in Manila in the early dawn of June 21, 2026, following authorization from Russian President Vladimir Putin for their release.
Government Welcome and Presidential Appeal
A Philippine government delegation led by DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro welcomed the repatriated workers. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had personally raised the case of the 24 Filipinos, who were detained in Yakutsk, Russia, during a bilateral meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Asean–Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on June 17, 2026.
According to the DFA statement, Marcos’ appeal prompted Russian authorities to immediately facilitate the workers’ release, ending months of uncertainty for the detainees and their families. Marcos expressed gratitude to Putin for his positive response and to Russian authorities for their cooperation.
Assistance and Repatriation Process
The Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided assistance throughout the repatriation process. The DFA did not specify the exact nature of the immigration violations but confirmed that all 24 individuals were overseas Filipino workers. The nine-month detention period had caused significant distress, and their return marks the resolution of the case through diplomatic channels.
