A total of 24 overseas Filipinos safely returned home today at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, following nearly nine months of detention in the Russian Federation. Their release marks a historic first, achieved through direct bilateral diplomatic efforts.
The repatriates arrived in two separate groups early in the morning:
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First Batch (12:00 AM): Six women arrived and were received by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officials.
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Second Batch (4:05 AM): Eighteen Filipinos (16 women and two men) landed and were welcomed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac along with other government dignitaries.
According to Secretary Lazaro, the rapid release of the individuals was the direct result of a personal appeal made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting in Kazan, Russian Federation, on June 17.
“President Marcos is deeply concerned about the plight of our compatriots,” Secretary Lazaro stated, noting that 22 of the 24 repatriates are women. “I think this is the first case of its kind where we have had our compatriots released from Russia. When President Marcos asked for it, President Putin immediately gave it. That is a very important act of goodwill.”
Upon arrival, the repatriated Filipinos received immediate on-site assistance from the DFA, DMW, and OWWA, including provisions for immediate needs, hotel accommodations, and onward travel arrangements to their respective provinces.
Moving forward, the DMW will lead a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deployment to Russia.
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Investigation: Secretary Cacdac confirmed that the DMW will take formal statements from the repatriates to determine if they were victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking syndicates operating in the Philippines.
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Reintegration Support: In coordination with OWWA, the DMW has guaranteed a holistic post-repatriation package, including:
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Financial and transportation assistance
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Temporary accommodation and legal guidance
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Long-term livelihood, training, and employment assistance
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The Philippine government emphasizes that its service does not end with the safe return of these overseas Filipinos. Inter-agency efforts will continue to ensure their smooth reintegration into their communities and the building of a better future.
