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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 24 Filipinos freed from Russian detention to return home June 21

24 Filipinos freed from Russian detention to return home June 21

Published Jun 20, 2026 08:45 pm

At A Glance

  • The 24 Filipinos released from detention in Russia are scheduled to return to the Philippines on June 21 in two batches via Bangkok.
  • Six will arrive at NAIA Terminal 1 at 12:05 a.m., while the remaining 18 are expected to arrive at 4:05 a.m.
  • The group had been detained in Irkutsk, Siberia, for nearly nine months without formal charges after allegedly falling victim to illegal recruiters.
Canva photos
Canva photos

The 24 Filipinos released from detention in Russia following the intervention of President Marcos are expected to return home on June 21, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday, June 20.

According to an update relayed to DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the Filipinos have departed Krasnoyarsk aboard Aeroflot Flight SU 814 bound for Bangkok, Thailand, and were already midway through their journey during the latest monitoring.

The group will arrive in Manila in two batches after transiting through Bangkok, where the Philippine Embassy will provide airport assistance.

Six overseas Filipinos are scheduled to arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR 737 at 12:05 a.m. on June 21.

The remaining 18 are expected to arrive on Philippine Airlines Flight PR 733 at 4:05 a.m. the same day.

The Filipinos had been held in Irkutsk, Siberia, for nearly nine months without formal charges over immigration issues after reportedly falling victim to illegal recruiters.

President Marcos announced their impending release on June 18 following his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan.

The President said he personally raised the case with Putin, who was initially unaware of the situation.

Marcos later disclosed that Putin informed him Russian authorities had located the detainees, reviewed their case, and found that they had not been charged with any wrongdoing despite being held for nine months.

According to the President, Putin assured him that Russia would "find a way to fix this problem."

Following the review, Russian authorities facilitated the release and deportation of the 24 Filipinos, paving the way for their return to the Philippines and reunion with their families after months of uncertainty.

Related Tags

PH-Russia DFA PCO RUSSIA deportation
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