After Ukraine’s military intelligence agency reported that in January a Filipino had allegedly died near the village of Novoselivka in the Donetsk region while serving with Russian forces, Philippine authorities moved to issue a public warning.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines on Wednesday cautioned Filipino nationals against accepting overseas job offers that could lead to recruitment into foreign armed forces.
The DFA said participation in foreign armed conflicts exposes Filipinos to grave danger and serious legal consequences. The agency noted that enlistment in foreign armed forces may violate Philippine laws and could result in the loss of citizenship.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly cautions Filipino nationals against accepting overseas employment offers that may involve recruitment into foreign armed forces, including under the guise of regular civilian employment in other sectors,” the DFA said.
The department urged Filipinos seeking work abroad to verify job offers, recruitment agencies, and employers with the Department of Migrant Workers and to remain vigilant against illegal or deceptive recruitment practices.
The warning also came amid reports that another Filipino was captured in Ukraine as a prisoner of war after allegedly fighting for Russia. According to published accounts, he traveled to Russia in September 2024 for a promised logistics job but was later recruited into the Russian military’s 51st Parachute Regiment.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the reported death remains under investigation. Philippine authorities have not released the identities of the individuals involved as inquiries continue.
