Fact-finding team formed to probe PHL envoy caught abusing maid

A fact-finding team has been formed to investigate the Philippines' top diplomat to Brazil who was caught abusing her Filipina domestic helper on video, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.

The team that will probe Ambassador Marichu Mauro, who was seen physically assaulting her 51-year-old maid several times in a series of CCTV footage released by Brazilian news outlets, will be led by a senior diplomat.

"If prima facie evidence is established by the fact-finding team, the case will be heard by a hearing panel constituted by the Board of Foreign Service Administration," the DFA said in a statement.

Mauro was recalled from her post following release of video footages showing her berating and mistreating her household staff.

Mauro, the country's envoy to Brazil since 2018, was seen pulling the staff's hair and throwing objects at her.

The Filipina maid left Brasilia on October 21 and is back in the Philippines, the DFA said, adding the agency has reached out to her to ensure her well-being and cooperation in the investigation.—AOL, GMA News