PH ambassador to Brazil recalled over alleged maltreatment of staffer

Department of Foreign Affairs building. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — The country’s top diplomat to Brazil has been recalled after she allegedly maltreated her household staffer, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

It was Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. who first disclosed the recall of Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro over Twitter.

“The Philippine Ambassador to Brazil has been recalled effective immediately to explain the maltreatment of her service staff,” he said in a tweet.

The DFA later issued an official statement, saying that the envoy has been instructed to immediately return home immediately after video footage showed her “berating and mistreating her household staff.”

The ambassador’s household staffer left Brazil last October 21 and is now back in the Philippines, according to the DFA.

“The DFA is reaching out to her to ensure her well-being and cooperation in the investigation,” the DFA said.

“The DFA assures the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted,” it added.

Mauro, who is a career diplomat, was appointed as ambassador to Brazil in 2018. She also served in foreign posts in Belgium and Italy, among others.

@DFAPHL @ANCALERTS @gmanews @cnnphilippines @BusinessMirror The Philippine Ambassador to Brazil has been recalled effective immediately to explain the maltreatment of her service staff.

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) October 26, 2020

gsg, je