DFA warns Filipinos: Avoid joining foreign militaries
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, February 11, issued a warning to Filipino nationals against accepting overseas job offers that could lead to recruitment into foreign armed forces.
According to the DFA, participation in foreign armed conflicts exposes Filipinos to “grave danger and serious legal consequences.”
Recruitment into foreign armed forces may also violate Philippine laws and lead to loss of citizenship, according to the agency.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly cautions Filipino nationals against accepting overseas employment offers that may involve recruitment into foreign armed forces, including under the guise of regular civilian employment in other sectors,” the DFA’s statement read.
“Filipinos seeking overseas employment are strongly encouraged to verify job offers, recruitment agencies, and employers with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and to remain vigilant against illegal or deceptive recruitment practices that may put their lives and welfare at serious risk,” it added.
The statement from the Foreign Affairs Department came after reports of two Filipinos allegedly fighting for Russia during the Russian-Ukrainian War.
According to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, in January, one Filipino reportedly died near the village of Novoselivka in the Donetsk region while serving with Russian forces.
However, this claim is still under investigation, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, another Filipino was also captured as a prisoner of war in Ukraine after fighting for Russia.
According to reports, he traveled to Russia in September 2024 for a promised logistics job but was recruited into the Russian military's 51st Parachute Regiment.
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