DFA probes heckling of Castro in Canada

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday it is looking into an encounter between Palace press officer Claire Castro and anti-Marcos protestors during the President’s official visit to Canada last week.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro instructed the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver to coordinate with Canadian authorities to determine the circumstances of the incident, as well as the applicable laws and security protocols covering visiting foreign dignitaries.

READ: ‘Part of the job’: Castro won’t file complaint over Vancouver heckling

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“The DFA is looking into the incident involving Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro during the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to Vancouver, B.C., Canada last week,” it said in a statement.

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READ: Marcos cites deeper ties after Canada visit

Castro had been heckled by anti-Marcos protesters while accompanying the presidential delegation during the President’s visit to Vancouver. Videos of the encounter later circulated on social media.

Part of job

Castro earlier said she would not file a complaint or pursue legal action against the hecklers, describing the incident as “part of the job.” According to her, she would leave any action to the DFA and Philippine officials in Canada.

The DFA said Philippine diplomats in Ottawa and Vancouver have been tasked to coordinate with Canadian authorities as they determine the facts surrounding the incident.

Marcos was in Canada last week for a four-day official visit that included meetings with Canadian officials and members of the Filipino community as Manila and Ottawa sought to strengthen bilateral ties. /cb

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