DMW probes illegal recruitment of Pinoys for Russia-Ukraine conflict

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed Wednesday it is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense, and the Department of Justice’s Inter‑Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to investigate and curb illegal recruitment of Filipinos for deployment to Russia amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac disclosed the initiative during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum, stating: “There are indeed cases of illegal recruitment taking place along these lines, and we are working closely with our partner agencies to stop them.”

The probe follows reports that a Filipino national died while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Cacdac declined to confirm the specific fatality report, noting that details remain under verification and the operation is still ongoing. The DFA has separately stated it is also seeking official confirmation of the reported death, emphasizing that the government does not authorize or support participation of Filipinos in foreign armed conflicts.

Authorities have not released further information on the scale of the recruitment scheme, the number of individuals involved, or how victims are being targeted and deployed. Cacdac assured the public that all leads are being pursued and that measures are being strengthened to prevent vulnerable workers from being lured into dangerous, unauthorized assignments abroad.