President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Friday that Russia will deport 24 Filipino citizens who were detained for nine months. The release follows a direct appeal made by Marcos to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent visit to Russia. Details regarding the reasons for the initial detention have not been disclosed. The Filipino government expressed gratitude for Putin’s decision to release the individuals. Arrangements are currently underway to facilitate the deportation process and the return of the Filipinos to the Philippines. This development marks a positive outcome following diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The timing of the release coincides with Marcos’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with Russia.