President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the national government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipinos worldwide, emphasizing that the safety of citizens remains a top priority regardless of their location or political affiliation.
The statement follows the successful release and repatriation of 24 Filipinos who had been detained in Russia for nine months.
In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro revealed that President Marcos’ personal appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin directly paved the way for the Filipinos’ safe return, with Russia requesting no concessions in return.
“During their bilateral meeting, the President raised the situation of the 24 detained Filipinos. President Putin immediately responded by ordering an official review of their status,” Castro said in Filipino. “While President Marcos emphasized that the Philippines fully respects Russia’s laws and policies, President Putin’s positive response allowed our countrymen to be sent home swiftly.”
According to the PCO, this successful repatriation underscores the Marcos administration’s strategy of utilizing constructive engagement and active diplomacy with foreign leaders to shield overseas Filipinos from harm.
Castro noted that this intervention is part of a broader, consistent pattern of overseas welfare initiatives under the current administration, citing two other major diplomatic successes:
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Mary Jane Veloso (Indonesia): Securing the high-profile return of the overseas Filipino worker after 15 years of imprisonment.
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17 OFWs in Qatar (March 2025): Rapid government intervention and diplomatic engagement with Qatari authorities following the arrest of 17 workers participating in an unauthorized rally.
The Palace reiterated that the administration will continue to leverage its growing international relationships to ensure that no Filipino is left behind, wherever they may be in the world.
“As long as there is a Filipino in need, President Marcos Jr. will be there to support you,” Castro concluded.
