Philippines Probes Illegal Recruitment of Filipinos for Russia's War: "There Are Indeed Cases"

The Philippines is investigating illegal recruitment of Filipinos for Russia's war against Ukraine, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to GMA News. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum, he said the DMW is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of National Defense, and the Department of Justice's Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to put a stop to it. "There are indeed cases of illegal recruitment taking place along these lines," Cacdac said.

"More Than Just a Labor Matter"

Cacdac made the statement after reports emerged that a Filipino had died while fighting for Russian forces against Ukraine. A reporter at the forum asked him to confirm whether the reports were true. He did not confirm the death. He said the case involves more than labor issues, which is why the DMW is coordinating with the foreign affairs and defence departments, and that an investigation is under way and he is sure this kind of recruitment is happening. He declined to give further details because an operation is still ongoing. GMA also reported that the DMW is working with international authorities.

DFA Is Trying to Confirm the Death

The DFA said earlier that it is seeking confirmation of the reports that a Filipino died fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, GMA reported. Last week Ukraine's Defence Intelligence said it had identified a Filipino citizen, Malambahe Sabtar Sabanal, killed near Kostiantynivka weeks after signing a Russian army contract, and that it knows of at least three Filipino citizens killed in Russia's ranks.

Earlier this year Ukraine's Defence Intelligence identified another Filipino killed in Russia's army - Jeric Jumadil Undol. 

A Safe Way Out

Filipinos and other foreign nationals lured into Russia's armed forces have an option to safely escape the battlefield with Ukraine's "I Want to Live" project. See our FAQ for recommendations for victims of Russian military recruitment and their families.