DFA coordinates with Canadian authorities on Claire Castro incident

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday it is looking into an incident involving Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s working visit to Canada last week.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has 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.

“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, BC, Canada last week,” the department said in a statement.

READ: Castro says Filipino protesters ‘harassed’ Palace team in Vancouver

The statement came after Castro was confronted by anti-Marcos protesters while accompanying the presidential delegation during Marcos’ visit to Vancouver. Videos of the encounter later circulated on social media.

Castro earlier said she would not file a complaint over the incident, describing it as “part of the job,” and 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. 

The department did not indicate whether any laws or security protocols had been breached.

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