Senator Ping Lacson expressed gratitude over the return of 24 Filipinos who were detained in Russia for nine months after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally raised their case with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Lacson said the freedom granted to the 24 Filipinos – who returned in two batches on late Saturday and early Sunday – is one of the most significant achievements of the President’s recent visit to Russia.
“24 souls, 24 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!” the veteran legislator said on X.
The 24 repatriated Filipinos arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in two batches from Bangkok, Thailand.
According to reports, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the repatriation was coordinated with Russian authorities, with assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
“Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the release of the 24 Filipinos, who worked as cleaners in Russia.”
On Thursday, President Marcos said Putin authorized the release of the 24 Filipinos, who worked as cleaners in Russia.
Earlier reports indicated the Filipinos were detained over immigration issues, after being victimized by illegal recruiters.
