Recalled ambassador to Brazil now back in PH, says Locsin

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine ambassador to Brazil, who had been recalled from her post for alleged maltreatment of her household staffer in the envoy’s official residence in Brasilia, is now back in the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Tuesday.

“Ambassador [Marichu] Mauro arrived last night. We thought she would be delayed because of the storm. But she was able to get on the flight. She has gone through the health protocols and she is back in the country,” Locsin said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source.

“The investigation has started, I guess by now. It’s with the appropriate body within the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and we will get through all the statements that are necessary,” he added.

Locsin earlier formed a fact-finding team to officially start the formal investigation on the alleged abusive conduct of Mauro towards her household staffer.

Mauro was caught on several video footages physically hurting her staff, and was even reported by a media network in Brazil.

Locsin said a report should be submitted by the investigating panel 15 days from the day he received authorization from President Rodrigo Duterte to order a probe on the matter.

Locsin earlier vowed that the maltreatment of the household helper by the ambassador will be dealt with “to the fullest extent of the law.”

EDV