Claire Castro Says DFA Will Decide Fate of Filipinos Who Harassed Her
CLAIRE CASTRO – The Palace Press Officer said she is leaving it to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to decide whether action should be taken against the Filipinos who allegedly harassed her during an incident in Vancouver, Canada. The controversy began after videos showing people shouting at and insulting Castro in a public place went viral on social media, prompting reports that those involved could face possible deportation.
Castro said any decision now rests with the DFA, led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, along with the Philippine Embassy and other officials in Canada. She stressed that the matter is under the jurisdiction of the appropriate government agencies and that she will respect whatever decision they make.
Despite the incident, Castro said she does not hold any resentment toward those who confronted her. However, she expressed hope that other Filipinos would not imitate such behavior, emphasizing that respect and proper conduct should always be observed, especially while abroad.
She also explained that she only learned about the viral video after attending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s event with the Filipino community in Canada. According to Castro, the individuals involved were the ones who uploaded the footage, which quickly spread online.
Castro revealed that she initially chose not to inform PCO Secretary Dave Gomez about the incident because she did not want to make the situation bigger. However, after seeing how widely the video circulated, she believed the confrontation may have been planned. She added that the incident reflected negatively on some members of the Filipino community and became visible to audiences around the world.
As of now, the DFA has not announced whether it will pursue any action, including the reported possibility of deportation for those involved. The agency is expected to determine the appropriate response based on its assessment of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the viral confrontation.