The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has ordered an investigation into the reported harassment of Palace Press Officer Claire Castro by several Filipinos during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s working visit to Vancouver, Canada, last week.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DFA said Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro directed the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver to coordinate with Canadian authorities.
The coordination aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the applicable laws and security protocols for visiting foreign dignitaries.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters confronting, following, and shouting expletives at Castro during the President’s visit.
Despite the incident, Castro said on Tuesday that the Philippine delegation would not file any complaint against the protesters, stressing that the government respects the right to freedom of expression.
Castro admitted, however, that she was initially surprised by the protesters’ behavior but chose to ignore the incident.
The DFA said it continues to coordinate with Canadian authorities as it looks into the reported harassment.