DFA recalls Philippine envoy to Brazil over alleged maltreatment of household staff

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has recalled Manila's top diplomat to Brazil for alleged maltreatment of a household staff.

In a statement on Monday, the DFA said the Philippine Ambassador to Brazil was ordered "to return home immediately following release of video footage showing her berating and mistreating her household staff."

Marichu Mauro, a career diplomat, is the current envoy to Brazil.

"The household staff left Brasilia on October 21 and is back in the Philippines. The DFA is reaching out to her to ensure her wellbeing and cooperation in the investigation," the department said.

"The DFA assures the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted."

Brazilian media outlet GloboNews, which released the video, reported that the victim is a 51-year-old Filipino domestic helper  in the ambassador's official residence.

The series of physical assault against the service staff were recorded on CCTV, the report said.

A compilation of videos obtained by the news agency showed Mauro, the country's envoy to Brazil since 2018, pulling the staff's hair and ears and throwing objects at her.

Over the years, several Filipino diplomats have been accused of abusing their domestic staff, prompting the Home Office to recall them from their posts and conduct an investigation. — Michaela Del Callar/KBK/RSJ, GMA News