THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is warning Filipino citizens to be cautious of job offers abroad through online platforms due to potential scams and deceptive practices.
The DFA also assured the public that it is working on the repatriation of seven Filipinos involved in the conflict in Ukraine. However, the DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona emphasized the difficulty of repatriating the seven Filipinos, described as “mercenaries,” due to the Philippines’ non-involvement in the war between Ukraine and Russia.
“We are requesting their assistance in this matter for our kababayans. This is a complicated process because the Philippines is not party to the conflict,” said Escalona. The DFA confirmed that one Filipino has died, while the remaining six are currently being held as prisoners of war (POWs) in Ukraine.
The seven Filipinos reportedly served as mercenaries for Russia. The DFA is coordinating with Ukraine, Russia, and the Red Cross to facilitate their repatriation, which will depend on agreements between Ukraine and Russia, in accordance with international laws and policies regarding detainees. “That’s the challenge, it’s not a straightforward repatriation,” the spokesperson stated.
Ukraine has confirmed the death of John Patrick, a Filipino national, in battle at Ukrainian positions, possibly in the Kramatorsk District, Donetsk region. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing for four years since February 2022, with an estimated 20 percent of Ukraine now under Russian control.
