MANILA, Philippines — A total of 24 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returned to the Philippines over the weekend after spending nine months in detention in Russia. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed their arrival in two batches.
The OFWs were detained in Irkutsk, Siberia, on allegations of immigration violations. The DFA, along with the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, facilitated their release and repatriation. No specific details on the nature of the violations were provided by officials.
The returnees arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and were met by representatives from the DFA and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for assistance and debriefing. The government has pledged support for their reintegration.
