Russia Releases 24 Detained Filipinos After Marcos-Putin Meeting

Russia has released 24 Filipino nationals who faced detention for several months without charges in a Siberian city. This decision followed an intervention by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Philippine officials confirmed this on Saturday.

The Filipino individuals are set to return to Manila in two separate flights on early Sunday. The first group will be received by Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro. She was present with Marcos during his talks with Putin on Wednesday in Kazan, Russia, as per the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

President Marcos, who currently presides over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), led discussions with ASEAN leaders to celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations with Russia. During the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Marcos held a bilateral conversation with Putin.

The Filipinos’ release proceeded quickly following the concerns raised by Marcos. As a significant ally of the United States in Asia, the Philippines joined most ASEAN members in supporting a UN resolution condemning Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Last year, Marcos met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. They engaged in discussions concerning trade, leading to the announcement of a 19% tariff rate for Filipino goods imported into the U.S. Additionally, the Philippines agreed to eliminate tariffs on imported U.S. goods.

Of the ASEAN members, Singapore alone implemented sanctions on Russia. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was also present at the summit in Kazan.

In his meeting with Putin, Marcos expressed specific concerns about the detained Filipinos in Irkutsk, southeastern Siberia, who have been held for nearly nine months without charges. Philippine officials speculated these individuals might have been victims of illegal job schemes and detained due to suspected immigration issues.

“Don’t worry, we will find a way to fix this problem,” Marcos quoted Putin as saying.

After reviewing the situation, Putin stated he was unaware of the issue but assured Marcos of a review. Later, Russian officials informed the Philippine delegation that arrangements were made for the immediate deportation of the Filipinos back to Manila.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Moscow Igor Bailen, approximately 15,000 Filipinos reside and work across Russia.