Metro Manila, Philippines – Twenty-four Filipino workers who were detained in Russia returned to the Philippines on Sunday, June 21, following a meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan.
The workers—reportedly victims of illegal recruitment—had been detained for nine months in the Siberian region of Russia.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the repatriated Filipinos arrived early Sunday morning via a connecting flight from Bangkok, Thailand.
Officials from the agency were on site to welcome the returning workers.
President Marcos raised the detainees’ situation directly with Putin during his state visit to Russia.
“They have not been charged with any wrongdoing, but they have still been kept in detention for nine months,” Marcos said, quoting the Russian leader.
