Filipino diplomat in Brazil to be investigated over alleged mauling of domestic worker

Marichu Mauro, the Philippine ambassador to Brazil, will face a “thorough investigation” after President Rodrigo Duterte gives the green light to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to conduct a probe into the alleged assault of her service staff, Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said yesterday.

Despite not having started the investigation yet, Locsin vowed that the long-time diplomat will face severe punishment if found guilty.

“The DFA will be firm in meting out the appropriate sanctions and administrative or criminal charges on Ambassador Mauro if the results of the DFA’s investigation will demand as such,” Locsin said in a statement.

Read: Caught on Cam: Filipino diplomat in Brazil recalled for assaulting domestic worker

Locsin vowed that the DFA “will not tolerate” any actions of its staff that could put the safety of overseas Filipino workers in jeopardy. He added that his department will come up with a “severe” response because the mauling incident involves a high-ranking official, and added that his organization is currently reviewing the practice where a Filipino diplomat is allowed to bring a domestic worker to his overseas post.

“Let me reiterate that the Department of Foreign Affairs is giving this matter its utmost attention, true to its core mission of protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers. All our diplomats are held to an even higher standard by virtue of their profession’s mandate, not least to be the face of our compassionate country, and sworn commitment to public service,” he said.

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Mauro was the subject of a recent expose by a Brazilian media outfit that had broadcast clips where she appeared to be physically assaulting her domestic workers. It’s unclear how many workers were hurt by the diplomat, who either struck or grabbed the staff by the hair. The footage appeared to have been recorded in March, August, and October of this year. As a consequence, Locsin ordered Mauro to be recalled from her post.