MANILA — The Philippine Embassy in Russia on Saturday advised Filipinos in the said country to stay vigilant and take precautions amid an armed rebellion launched by Yevgeny Prigozhin's private army Wagner Group.

In an advisory, the Philippine Embassy told Filipinos to monitor its advisories and follow Russian policies.

Filipinos were advised to avoid going to crowded places and joining demonstrations, as well as refraining from posting political comments and unverified information on social media.

The embassy discouraged traveling to other regions if not necessary.

“Patuloy po tayong maging mapagmatiyag sa ating personal na sitwasyon. Patuloy nating subaybayan ang mga advisory na aming ilalabas. Sundin ang mga alituntunin ng Russia,” the embassy said.

(Let us be mindful and cautious about our personal situation. Continue to follow our advisories and obey Russia's laws.)

The embassy added it was still monitoring events in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, the nerve center of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, over reports of military movements.

“May mga kaganapan din po sa Rostov-on-Don, tulad ng pag-galaw ng mg militar doon, na kinukumpirma pa ng Embahada,” it said.

(There are developments in Rostov-on-Don such as military movements. The embassy is stll confirming these.)

In the meantime, Filipinos in Rostov-on-Don, as well as Belgorod and other areas in the boundary of Russia and Ukraine, were advised to report their situation to the embassy.

According to the embassy, there are 10 identified Filipinos in Rostov-on-Don.

“We are communicating with them, and they are safe,” it said.

In case of emergency, Filipinos in Russia may reach the embassy through WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram: +79067382538.

Prigozhin on Saturday said he had crossed into Russia and seized control of a key military headquarters, vowing to topple Moscow's military leadership and saying he and his 25,000 fighters were "ready to die."

He said his forces, who had spearheaded much of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, entered Rostov-on-Don and controlled its military sites.

But tensions between Wagner and the Russian defense establishment took a dramatic turn when Prigozhin relented and announced that he would leave Russia.

Moscow's National Anti-Terrorism Committee had filed a criminal case against Prigozhin, which were later dropped following the mercenary boss' about-face.

• Wagner chief to leave Russia in deal to ease crisis
• Putin slams 'treason' as forces tackle Wagner revolt

Amid the tensions, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin ordered the implementation of anti-terrorism efforts, including the strict traffic control and ban on gathering.

There are at least 10,000 Filipinos in Russia; about 8,000 to 9,000 are in Moscow.

"Essentially, Moscow is stable; people are out in the streets despite the security upgrades. And Filipino communities in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and especially Rostov-on-Don are following Post’s advisories. None so far from the last are thinking of being repatriated,” said Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor Bailen.