A Filipino fighting for Russia against Ukraine has reportedly been killed in the war, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to warn Filipinos against joining foreign armed forces.
The DFA stressed that participation in overseas armed conflicts “exposes Filipinos to grave danger and serious legal consequences.”
The DFA strongly cautioned against accepting overseas employment offers that may conceal recruitment into foreign armed forces under the guise of civilian jobs.
“Recruitment into foreign armed forces, whether directly or indirectly, may violate Philippine laws and lead to loss of citizenship,” the agency said.
Ukraine’s Military Intelligence reported in late January that a Filipino, identified as John Patrick, was killed while serving with Russian forces in the Donetsk region.
He was said to have been part of Russia’s 9th Battalion, 283rd Regiment, 144th Motorized Rifle Division under the 20th Combined Arms Army.
The DFA urged Filipinos seeking overseas employment to verify job offers, recruitment agencies, and employers with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
They were also reminded “to remain vigilant against illegal or deceptive recruitment practices that may put their lives and welfare at serious risk.” (Joseph Pedrajas)
