The return of 24 Filipinos who had been held in Russia for nine months drew praise from Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who described their release as one of the most notable outcomes of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent trip to Moscow.
In a post on X on Sunday, June 21, Lacson said the development deserved greater public recognition, emphasizing the impact of the repatriation on the Filipinos and their families.
“24 souls, 24 families – most of all, 24 Filipinos who would still be languishing in an eastern Siberia jail, probably for the rest of their lives – one of the biggest achievements of the president’s visit to Russia that almost escaped public notice and appreciation. Thank you!” Lacson said on X.
The group arrived in the Philippines over the weekend, landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in two separate batches after traveling from Bangkok, Thailand.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the effort to bring the Filipinos home was carried out in coordination with Russian authorities, with support from the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
President Marcos disclosed on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had approved the release of the 24 Filipinos during their discussions. The workers had been employed as cleaners in Russia.
Previous reports indicated that the Filipinos were allegedly caught in immigration-related cases after reportedly falling victim to illegal recruitment schemes.
