Russia frees 24 Filipinos after Philippine President Marcos talks with Putin

Twenty-four Filipino citizens, detained in Siberia for approximately nine months without formal charges, have been released by Russia. The swift resolution followed direct intervention by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan.

Philippine officials stated that the detained individuals were likely victims of illegal job recruitment schemes and had been taken into custody due to potential immigration law violations. President Marcos Jr. expressed concern over their prolonged detention and lack of information regarding their condition. He conveyed this concern to President Putin during their meeting on Wednesday.

According to President Marcos Jr., Putin was initially unaware of the situation but promised to investigate. Over dinner, Putin assured Marcos that the Filipinos had not been charged with any wrongdoing and stated, "Don't worry, we will find a way to fix this problem." Following this discussion, Russian authorities notified the Philippine delegation that the detainees would be deported back to Manila.

The 24 freed Filipinos were scheduled to arrive in Manila in two flights early Sunday. Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, who accompanied Marcos in his talks with Putin, was set to welcome the first group. Approximately 15,000 Filipinos reside and work in Russia, according to the Philippine Ambassador to Moscow.

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Don't worry, we will find a way to fix this problem.