Twenty-four overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) detained in Russia are repatriated to the Philippines after spending about nine months in detention. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announces the development in a social media post on Friday, saying the release is secured through assistance from Russian authorities, following his working visit to Kazan for the Russia–ASEAN commemorative summit. The detainees were held in Irkutsk, a city in Siberia, according to reports.
Philippine officials say Russian authorities ordered the Filipinos’ release after Marcos requested help, including through contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) attributes the detention to the workers’ alleged lack of required documents to work in Russia, linked to their reported victimization by recruiters. The situation led to immigration cases in Russia and subsequent deportation proceedings.
The 24 OFWs return to Manila in two batches over the weekend, and are described as arriving safely. Reports consistently state they are being reunited with their families following their release and repatriation.
