Russia frees 24 Filipinos after Marcos speaks with Putin in direct diplomatic call
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that 24 Filipino nationals held in Russia have been freed after his direct phone call with Vladimir Putin, the South China Morning Post reported. The citizens will return to Manila next week. The call is being read as Manila's attempt to recalibrate its Asia-Pacific diplomacy.
A statement from the Malacañang Palace in Manila said President Marcos held a 45-minute telephone call with Russian President Putin and that the release of 24 Filipino sailors and migrant workers held in custody was confirmed after the call. The South China Morning Post reported the citizens had been held by Russian authorities on alleged visa and document infringements.
Marcos said the call was an "open door to refresh" Philippines-Russia relations. Manila said it is pursuing a balanced policy that maintains its alliance with Washington while keeping diplomatic channels open with both China and Russia. The Philippine foreign ministry announced a technical commission to handle Russia's requested migrant-labour quotas.
The US State Department said it had been informed of the call and supported allies' right to use diplomatic channels. Beijing described the Philippines' direct dialogue with Russia as "regional maturity." Marcos's political rival, Sara Duterte, criticised the move as an "uncertain balancing act."
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