Putin News Today: Russia has released 24 Filipino nationals who were detained for several months in the Siberian city of Irkutsk without formal charges. The move came shortly after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr raised the issue directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin during diplomatic discussions.
Officials confirmed that the group will return to Manila on separate flights scheduled to arrive early Sunday, marking the end of a months-long detention period that had raised concern in the Philippines.
Putin News Today: Diplomatic Talks Between Marcos Jr and Putin Lead to Breakthrough
The release followed a bilateral meeting between President Marcos Jr and President Vladimir Putin, held on the sidelines of events marking 35 years of ASEAN-Russia diplomatic relations in Kazan.
Marcos said he personally raised the situation of the 24 detained Filipinos during his talks with Putin, expressing concern over their prolonged detention in Irkutsk.
According to Philippine officials, the individuals may have been caught in illegal recruitment schemes and were held over possible immigration-related issues.
Putin News Today: Putin Responds to Concerns Over Filipino Detainees
During the meeting, President Putin initially stated that he was not aware of the case but assured Marcos that he would look into the matter. Marcos later revealed that during a separate dinner meeting, Putin told him that the Filipinos had not been charged with any criminal offence.
“Don’t worry, we will find a way to fix this problem,” Marcos quoted Putin as saying.
Following this assurance, Russian authorities informed the Philippine delegation that the detainees would be deported and returned to Manila immediately.
Putin News Today: Filipinos Held for Months in Irkutsk Before Release
The 24 Filipinos had been detained in Irkutsk for around nine months, according to officials. Philippine authorities said they were still reviewing the circumstances that led to their detention.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro would receive the first group of returnees upon their arrival in Manila. Philippine Ambassador to Moscow Igor Bailen also noted that around 15,000 Filipinos currently live and work in Russia, many in various employment sectors.
Putin News Today: Philippines Continues Diplomatic Balancing Between Russia and US
The Philippines remains a treaty ally of the United States while also maintaining diplomatic engagement with Russia through ASEAN platforms. The release comes at a time when ASEAN-Russia relations continue to develop, with several regional leaders attending commemorative events in Kazan.
While most ASEAN members have taken varied positions on Russia’s international actions, the Philippines has continued to pursue diplomatic dialogue while balancing its global partnerships.
Putin News Today: Diplomatic Intervention Ends Months of Uncertainty
The return of the 24 Filipinos highlights the impact of high-level diplomatic intervention in resolving overseas detention cases.
Officials said the coordinated discussions between Manila and Moscow helped secure the release, bringing relief to families after months of uncertainty over the fate of the detained citizens.
