Locsin not aware of diplomats’ groups supporting recalled envoy to Brazil

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the DFA is not aware of the existence of two organizations that reportedly issued a statement of support for the recalled Philippine ambassador to Brazil, and that their sentiment will not reflect the investigation being done by the department.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is not aware of the existence of the so-called ‘Department of Foreign Affairs Career Officers Corps’ and the ‘Retired Ambassadors Association,’” Locsin said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source on Tuesday.

“The reported statement of such organizations on the case of the former Philippine Ambassador to Brazil does not, in any way, reflect the position of the Department nor the sentiment of its career corps,” he added.

He also said that the DFA stands by its resolve to respond to the matter “to the fullest extent of the law.”

These remarks from Locsin came after a media report said the DFA Career Officer Corps and the Retired Ambassadors Association have called for due process and expressed full support for Ambassador Marichu Mauro, who has been recalled for allegedly maltreating her household staffer.

Videos of Mauro mistreating her Filipino staffer were earlier reported in a media network in Brazil.

According to Locsin, Mauro arrived in the Philippines on Monday night to face investigation.

“The investigation has started I guess by now. It’s with the appropriate body within the DFA and we will get through all the statements that are necessary,” the DFA chief said.

“There is a video which is incontestable. What it imports, we will wait for the recommendation of the investigating panel which I created,” he added.

EDV