DFA probes alleged harassment of Claire Castro during Canada trip

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday that it is looking into the alleged harassment experienced by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent official trip to Vancouver, Canada.

“Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro has instructed the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver to coordinate with Canadian authorities in determining the specifics of the incident as well as the applicable laws and security protocols covering visiting foreign dignitaries,” the DFA said in a statement.

Castro recalled that she was approached by a group of Filipinos as she and a colleague were shooting social media reels. One Filipino asked if she was indeed the Palace official and suddenly shouted at her.

In the video that made rounds online, Castro is seen walking with Presidential Communications Office Director Robertzon Ramirez when a bullhorn-toting group started shouting and heckling her in Filipino.

Members of the group could be seen following Castro and Ramirez, who were flanked by police officers.

Castro noted that those who harassed her made calls like "BBM resign (Bongbong Marcos resign)," "maleta," and "magnanakaw (thief)." —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA News