Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is investigating a suspected illegal recruitment and human trafficking network following the repatriation of 24 overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) who were detained in Russia for over nine months.

According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the 24 OFWs returned to the Philippines after their release was secured by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the request of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during their bilateral meeting at the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan. Initial interviews conducted by the DMW revealed that many of the workers had previous records of leaving the country, traveling to locations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates before heading to Russia.

Cacdac explained that among the 24 individuals, 18 had records with the DMW, indicating their status as former OFWs, while six had no such records and went directly to Russia. The DMW is conducting interviews through its anti-illegal recruitment and anti-human trafficking team to document each case, aiming to uncover the methods of recruitment and transportation used.

The investigation highlights that these workers ended up in Yakutsk, Russia, which is located on the eastern side of the country, heading towards Japan. Most Filipinos were employed as cleaners, with investigators noticing a pattern of targeting Filipinos for jobs in the cleaning sector. Cacdac cited cases of OFWs recruited from Hong Kong, who were coerced into paying substantial amounts or faced salary deductions as payment to recruiters.

DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia noted that many workers bypassed official migration procedures, entering Russia on tourist visas or through arrangements facilitated by brokers and illegal recruiters. The repatriated OFWs are currently under the care of the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other government agencies as evidence is gathered against the alleged recruiters.

Olalia emphasized that the authorities aim to build a case to understand the full story of how these individuals ended up in Russia. Once affidavits and sworn statements are collected from the victims, legal action will be taken against the recruiters.