MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-four Filipino workers detained for nine months in Yakutsk, Russia returned to the Philippines after being released by Russian President Vladimir Putin following the request of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro welcomed the unidentified Filipinos, who arrived in two batches at dawn Sunday.
Marcos, concerned about the welfare of the Filipinos, raised their case with Putin during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asean–Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on June 17.
Following the President’s appeal, Russian authorities facilitated the workers’ release on June 19, "bringing an end to months of uncertainty for them and their families," the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.
Marcos expressed his appreciation to Putin "for his positive response and to the Russian authorities for their cooperation in resolving the matter," the DFA said in a statement.
The DFA coordinated the workers’ repatriation with Russian authorities. The Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided assistance throughout the repatriation process.
