24 Filipino workers detained for 9 months in Yakutsk, Russian Federation, returned to 🇵🇠after being released by 🇷🇺 President Vladimir Putin following the request of President @bongbongmarcos #DFAForgingAhead pic.twitter.com/mPCaBkAr43
— DFA Philippines 🇵🇠(@DFAPHL) June 20, 2026
Twenty-four (24) Filipino workers safely returned to Manila on June 21, 2026, after being detained for nine months in Yakutsk, Russia, over immigration violations. The overseas workers, who were reportedly victims of illegal recruitment schemes, had been held without any formal charges.
Their swift release was secured after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally raised their plight during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan. Moving quickly upon Marcos’ appeal, Russian authorities authorized their repatriation within days. The Department of Migrant Workers is currently reviewing their cases for potential human trafficking.
Source: PhilStar