Sex harassment raps readied vs ex-ambassador to Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines—Charges of sexual harassment have been filed against recalled Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Shulan Primavera for allegedly abusing a household helper several times in 2012, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Wednesday.

Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, the DFA spokesman, said on Wednesday that Primavera would soon face a formal hearing after the charges were elevated against him. The official was, however, scant on details.

“He was already charged and a formal hearing will be conducted,” said Hernandez in a press briefing on Wednesday.

A source privy to the case said the DFA’s Committee on Decorum and Investigation had recommended the filing of formal charges earlier this month after its fact-finding probe “found probable cause based on testimonies and evidence gathered.”

The source refused to be identified due to the sensitive nature of the case.

Primavera was recalled in November shortly after  her household help, nicknamed “Mabel,” complained of sexual abuse in three separate incidents from February to April of last year. He denied the charges.

Mabel is known to have fled an abusive employer in Kuwait before working at Primavera’s home.

Primavera was posted to head the Philippines’ Kuwait mission in 2010. He has been staying in Manila since his recall in 2012.

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