Siberia, Russia – Twenty-four Filipinos who spent roughly nine months locked up in the Siberian city of Irkutsk are finally heading home. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally authorized their release after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. brought up their situation during one-on-one talks at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan.
According to a report, Marcos shared the news on Thursday, saying the workers were brought to Russia by illegal recruiters before running into immigration trouble. They had been detained since mid-2025.
How the Release Happened
Marcos said he raised the detainees’ plight directly with Putin during their bilateral meeting, and the Russian leader appeared caught off guard.
“Binanggit ko ito at nagulat siya, sabi niya, ‘Hindi ko alam ‘yan,'” Marcos recalled. By dinner that night, the two leaders had reviewed the situation together.
The President said Putin confirmed the group had never been formally charged, yet they remained behind bars for nine straight months. Putin’s response, according to Marcos: “We will find a way.”
What Happens Next
The detainees were cleared for release and expected to be ready for deportation by 5 p.m. the following day. From there, they would board flights back to the Philippines to reunite with their families.
Key details Marcos shared:
- The 24 Filipinos faced no criminal charges despite their long detention.
- Russia gave them the option to work legally in the country.
- All chose to return home instead.
A Bigger Picture for OFWs in Russia
The case shines a light on the risks facing Filipinos recruited through illegal channels. Department of Foreign Affairs data shows roughly 15,000 Filipinos currently live and work in Russia, and not all of them arrived through proper, documented routes.
For overseas Filipino workers, the story is a sharp reminder to verify recruiters and agencies before accepting any job abroad. Promises of quick placement can turn into months of uncertainty far from home.
Warmer Ties Between Manila and Moscow
The release lands at a notable moment. The Philippines is serving as 2026 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and has been working to build closer ties with Russia, one of Eurasia’s largest economies and a major oil producer.
For the 24 Filipinos and their loved ones, though, the diplomacy boils down to one thing: they’re coming home.