24 Pinoys held in Russia back in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-four Filipino workers detained for nine months in Russia arrived in the Philippines yesterday after being ordered released by Russian President Vladimir Putin upon the request of President Marcos.

The first group of six repatriated Filipinos, all women, arrived at 12:05 a.m., followed by a second batch of 18, comprising 16 women and two men.

The repatriated Filipinos were part of a group detained in the Russian Federation in the city of Yakutsk in eastern Siberia without charges for nearly nine months. Initial information from Philippine authorities indicated that their detention was related to “alleged immigration violations,” though details remain under verification.

Authorities said interviews are ongoing to document their experiences and determine whether recruitment irregularities or trafficking may have been involved.

The release of the Filipinos was made possible following a request by President Marcos during his bilateral meeting with Putin in Kazan on June 17.

The returning Filipinos were welcomed by officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, who provided immediate assistance upon arrival. — Daphne Galvez