Harassment Incident in Vancouver
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro reported being harassed by a group of Filipinos during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Canada. The incident occurred in Vancouver while Castro was filming social media content with Presidential Communications Office Director Robertzon Ramirez.
According to Castro, the group initially asked for her identity. She recounted, "I smiled, then he asked me if I was Usec. Claire. I said, 'Yes,' and then he started shouting, 'You ask your President to resign.'" Castro added, "They ganged up on us even though we were working. We are not on vacation here; we are just doing our job."
Video Shows Confrontation
A social media video captured the group following Castro and berating her using a megaphone. Castro condemned the actions, calling them "not very Filipino" and emphasizing that freedom of expression does not justify rudeness. She stated, "We have freedom of expression, but it doesn't have to be rude. You are Filipinos; that is not the attitude of Filipinos."
She further remarked, "Perhaps the group, whoever they idolize, is used to violence, so we don't know." The incident has drawn attention to the tensions surrounding President Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Canada.
