[ad_1]
Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. announced on Monday the removal of the Philippine ambassador to Brazil after the publication of a video showing that he apparently mistreated his house staff.
“The Philippine ambassador to Brazil has been called immediately to explain the mistreatment of her service personnel,” Locsin tweeted.
Subsequently, the Department of Foreign Relations (DFA) issued a statement, repeating the call to the headquarters of Ambassador Marichu Mauro, who was appointed to the position in February 2018. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with Colombia and Venezuela.
The video, dated October 25, was taken from what appears to be a closed circuit television (CCTV) of Mauro’s residence, which was shown on the Brazilian television network Globo News.
Two television announcers, a man and a woman, were shown commenting on CCTV in Portuguese, while Ambassador Mauro, a career diplomat, was seen holding a domestic helper by the ear. There were other forms of physical abuse on four occasions.
The blurred video could not establish whether the abuse was committed only against the aide or other members of her household. The incident reached the Philippines through social media.
The media asked Executive Director Ivy Banzon-Abaloz how CCTV got into the hands of a Brazilian TV station, or if someone from Mauro’s house provided CCTV to the TV channel, but did not get answer. However, he confirmed the withdrawal of the envoy.
“The domestic staff left Brasilia on October 21 and are back in the Philippines. DFA is reaching out to her to ensure her well-being and cooperation in the investigation, ”DFA said in a statement, adding that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
The dates on CCTV footage listing the incident took place in March, August and twice in October this year.
Globo News said that the events occurred inside Mauro’s diplomatic residence.
