Filipino Malambahe Sabanal, Killed Near Kostiantynivka Weeks After Signing a Russian Army Contract

Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (DIU) said on October 15, 2026, that it has identified another foreign national killed fighting for Russia: Malambahe Sabtar Sabanal, a citizen of the Philippines born on October 25, 1986, in the municipality of Labason on the island of Mindanao. According to DIU, he signed a one-year contract with the Russian army in Ryazan on June 16, 2026, was sent to the front in early July, and was killed in assault operations near Kostiantynivka in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast at the end of that month - about six weeks after signing.

A Contract, Ten Days of Training, and the Front

DIU says the contract was processed by a Lieutenant V. Romanov and ran for one year, which it called typical for "disposable" foreigners in the Russian army. After signing, Sabanal was sent to a training centre, where he spent only about a week and a half trying to learn basic rifle skills. Early in July he was sent to occupied Ukrainian territory.

A Message Days Before His Death

DIU cites recorded correspondence between Sabanal and another fighter in the Russian forces, who it believes is likely also a Filipino citizen. In a message dated July 28, a few days before he died, Sabanal complained of constant attacks by Ukrainian drones and of the death of a fellow serviceman. Photographs of Sabanal also show other fighters whom DIU believes are likely Filipino citizens.

DIU said that, despite warnings from the Philippine government and the requirements of local law, Sabanal was drawn by the chance to earn "easy" money and joined the Russian army. 

At Least Three Filipinos Dead

On August 12, 2026, DIU announced the identification of another Filipino killed in Russia's ranks, Jeric Jumadil Undol, born March 5, 1989. DIU now says it knows of at least three Filipino citizens killed fighting for Russia. It has been publishing evidence of foreign recruitment by Russia, and says any foreigner in the Russian army who is in trouble can save their life by surrendering through the "I Want to Live" project.