DFA disowns diplomat groups’ statement backing Mauro

Mauro arrived in Manila on Monday night. The DFA expects an initial report from the preliminary investigation within 13 days. (File Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday disowned the statement from two groups of diplomats expressing support to former Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro who was caught on video assaulting her helper inside the diplomatic residence.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is not aware of the existence of the so-called ‘Department of Foreign Affairs Career Officers Corps’ and the ‘Retired Ambassadors Association.’ 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,” the agency told reporters.

This came following a report published by the Philippine Star quoting the “Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Career Officer Corps” and the “Retired Ambassadors Association” expressing “full support” to the embattled diplomat, calling for due process instead of her vilification in media.

In a television interview, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said the DFA “stands by its resolve” to deal with the issue “in accordance with and to the fullest extent of the law”.

“The investigation has started, I guess, by now. It is with the appropriate body within the DFA and we’re going to get through all of the statements that are necessary. There is also the video which is incontestable,” he said.

Mauro arrived in Manila on Monday night. The DFA expects an initial report from the preliminary investigation within 13 days.

Locsin said the fact-finding team to be led by Consul General to Sydney Ezzedin Tago, Chief of Mission Jaime Ledda, Narciso Castañeda, and lawyer Ihna Alyssa Marie Santos would be conducting the probe via Zoom.

The Filipina helper, meanwhile, is currently in quarantine after returning to the Philippines last Oct. 21. She is set to receive PHP200,000 as cash aid from the DFA.

“The check is ready, it cannot be handed to her yet because she is in quarantine. No one is allowed to get through to her but the minute her quarantine ends, the check will be given to her,” Locsin said.