MANILA, 21 June 2026 — Twenty-four Filipino workers detained for nine months in Yakutsk, Russian Federation, returned to the Philippines after being released by Russian President Vladimir Putin following the request of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The Filipinos arrived in Manila on 21 June 2026 and were welcomed by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) delegation.
President Marcos, who was deeply concerned on the case of 24 Filipinos, personally raised their case with Russian President Putin during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on 17 June 2026. Following the President’s appeal, Russian authorities immediately facilitated the workers’ release by 19 June 2026, bringing an end to months of uncertainty for them and their families.
President Marcos expressed his appreciation to President Putin for his positive response and to the Russian authorities for their cooperation in resolving the matter.
Press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs: https://tinyurl.com/bdfv346w
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