‘No deal in Russia’s release of 24 Pinoys’

MANILA, Philippines — The Russian government did not ask for anything in return when it released 24 Filipinos detained in Yakutsk in eastern Siberia for nearly nine months without charges, Malacañang said yesterday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the release of 24 Filipino workers upon the request of President Marcos during their meeting in Kazan last week.

The Filipinos arrived in the country on Sunday.

Initial information from Philippine authorities indicated their detention was related to “alleged immigration violations,” though details are still under verification.

Marcos was in Kazan last week along with fellow Southeast Asian leaders for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Russia Commemorative Summit.