Twenty-four Filipino workers detained in Yakutsk, Russia for nine months have returned to the Philippines following their release through diplomatic coordination involving Philippine and Russian authorities.
The group arrived in Manila on June 21 and was received by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro together with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
According to the DFA, the workers’ case was raised by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on June 17. Russian authorities subsequently facilitated their release on June 19.
The DFA said the intervention helped resolve months of uncertainty for the workers, who had been detained since late 2025.
President Marcos expressed appreciation to the Russian government for its cooperation in the repatriation process.
The Department of Foreign Affairs coordinated the workers’ return, while the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provided assistance upon their arrival in the country.
Officials said the case reflects ongoing government efforts to protect overseas Filipino workers and ensure support for nationals facing difficulties abroad.