Arrival of 24 Detained Filipinos from Russia 06/21/2026

NAIA Terminal 1, Pasay City June 21, 2026 Following the bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, the 24 Filipinos who had been detained in Irkutsk, Russia for nearly nine (9) months returned to the Philippines and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on June 21, 2026. President Marcos Jr. announced their impending release on June 19 after personally raising their case with President Putin during their meeting, expressing concern about their prolonged detention and seeking information about their condition and legal status. After reviewing the case, Russian authorities confirmed that the Filipinos had not been charged with any offense and facilitated their release and deportation. Arriving in two (2) batches, the first group, composed of six (6) Filipinos, was welcomed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, while the remaining 18 Filipinos were received by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. The DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provided necessary assistance to support the repatriates’ reintegration upon their return to the country, including financial aid, hotel accommodation, airfare and other forms of support. In an interview, DFA Secretary Lazaro emphasized that their return underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to protect and assist Filipinos overseas through sustained diplomatic engagement. * Connect with RTVM Website: http://rtvm.gov.ph Facebook: www.facebook.com/presidentialcom and www.facebook.com/rtvmalacanang YouTube: @RTVMalacanang Tiktok: @RTVMalacanang