The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is still verifying reports that a Filipino national has died while reportedly fighting for Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort on DZRH's Operation Tulong on Thursday, OWWA stated that authorities have not yet confirmed reports that a Filipino mercenary was killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukrainian military intelligence identified the individual only as “John Patrick,” claiming he was involved on the frontlines in the Kramatorsk district of the Novoselivka region.

Reports suggest that the Filipino was allegedly recruited by Russia, underwent a week of training, and was immediately deployed on an assault mission in Novoselivka.

It is further reported that he was abandoned by his Russian comrades after sustaining injuries in combat and eventually died.

International sources indicate that John Patrick’s case may be part of a growing pattern of alleged recruitment of foreign nationals, including migrant workers, by Russia through deceptive or coercive means.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has stated that it is verifying reports from Ukrainian defense sources regarding the death of a Filipino mercenary in Russian forces.

“We are coordinating with relevant government agencies and official counterparts to verify the details,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla.