PALACE Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro experienced what she tagged as “harassment” by a group of Filipinos amid the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Canada.
In an interview with reporters, Castro said she was filming a content for social media along with Presidential Communications Office Director Robertzon Ramirez in Vancouver when she was approached by a group of Filipinos who initially asked for her identity.
“Ngumiti ako, then tinanong niya ako kung ako si Usec. Claire. Sabi ko, 'Yes,' at doon sinasabi na niya, sumigaw na siya, 'You ask your President to resign'” Castro said.
“Kinuyog na kami samantalang kung tutuusin, kami nagtatrabaho. Hindi kami nagbabakasyon dito, we're just doing our job,” she added.
In a social media video, it was seen that a group of Filipinos followed Castro and berated her using a megaphone.
Castro denounced the actions of the group, calling them “not very Filipino” and saying that freedom of expression does not give anyone the right to be rude.
“Alam ninyo, may freedom of expression tayo pero hindi naman kailangan maging bastos. Pilipino kayo, hindi naman ganyan ang ugali ng mga Pilipino,” she said.
“Kasi parang, siguro 'yung grupo naman nila kung sino 'yung iniidolo nila parang sanay naman sa bayolente, pagiging bayolente, so di namin alam,” she added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)