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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Filipinos warned vs joining foreign armed forces amid reported death in Ukraine-Russia war

Filipinos warned vs joining foreign armed forces amid reported death in Ukraine-Russia war

Published Feb 11, 2026 11:55 am
Workers clean up damage at Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
Workers clean up damage at Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised Filipinos against joining foreign armed forces amid reports that a Filipino national fighting for Russia against Ukraine died in the war.
According to the DFA, participation in foreign armed conflicts "exposes Filipinos to grave danger and serious legal consequences."
The DFA said it is strongly cautioning Filipinos against accepting overseas employment offers that may involve recruitment into foreign armed forces under the guise of regular civilian employment in other sectors.
"Recruitment into foreign armed forces, whether directly or indirectly, may violate Philippine laws and lead to loss of citizenship," it warned.
In late January, Ukraine’s Military Intelligence reported that a Filipino national, identified as John Patrick, was killed fighting with Russian forces in the Donetsk region.
John Patrick supposedly had served in Russia’s 9th Battalion, 283rd Regiment, 144th Motorized Rifle Division in the 20th Combined Arms Army of the Russian military, according to the agency's statement.
The DFA said that  Filipinos seeking overseas employment are strongly encouraged to verify job offers, recruitment agencies, and employers with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
They are also reminded "to remain vigilant against illegal or deceptive recruitmentpractices that may put their lives and welfare at serious risk."

Related Tags

DFA PH-Ukraine RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR PH-Russia
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