Philippine authorities are looking into claims circulating in Ukrainian media that a Filipino national died while taking part in combat operations in eastern Ukraine. The report, which surfaced this week, links the fatality to fighting in the Donetsk region.
According to Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR), the body of a man identified as John Patrick, described as a citizen of the Philippines, was found among Russian forces killed near the village of Novoselivka in the Kramatorsk district. The account was first published by the Kyiv Post, citing HUR officials.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that it has not yet established the accuracy of the report. DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the government was “verifying” the information.
“And [we] will inform you if there is a comment from the DFA,” Escalona said in a text message.
In its statement, HUR alleged that the Filipino had been recruited by Russia, suffered injuries during what it described as a “meat assault” against Ukrainian positions, and was abandoned after receiving only one week of training.
