The 24 Filipinos recently released from detention in Russia are scheduled to arrive in Manila on June 21, following a successful direct diplomatic intervention by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the group is traveling in two batches via Bangkok after departing Krasnoyarsk, Russia, aboard Aeroflot Flight SU 814. The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok will provide on-the-ground airport assistance to ensure a smooth transit.
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Batch 1 (6 Filipinos): Arriving at 12:05 AM via Philippine Airlines Flight PR 737.
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Batch 2 (18 Filipinos): Arriving at 4:05 AM via Philippine Airlines Flight PR 733.
The repatriated nationals had been held in Irkutsk for nearly nine months without any formal charges. Their release was secured after President Marcos personally raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral talks at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan.
“I personally raised the case with President Putin to express our concern over the prolonged detention of our nationals and to clarify their legal status,” President Marcos stated during a media interview in Kazan.
Following the President’s appeal, Russian authorities reviewed the case, confirmed no offenses had been committed, and immediately facilitated the group’s release and deportation.
Relevant Philippine government agencies are fully coordinated and on standby to provide comprehensive welfare, medical, and logistical assistance to the returning Filipinos and their families upon their arrival in Manila.
