COMMUNICATIONS Undersecretary Claire Castro shared that she and her team were subjected to verbal harassment and intimidation by a group of Filipinos while filming a video in Vancouver, Canada.
She described the incident as a confrontation where they were surrounded, even as they were simply performing their official duties. “We were surrounded, because if you really look at it, we were just working,” Castro recounted, explaining that the encounter came unexpectedly while they were in the middle of their activity.
Castro said she felt genuinely threatened by the group’s aggressive behavior, noting that their manner of speaking and acting went beyond simple disagreement. She linked their conduct to the attitudes and influence of the public figures they support, suggesting that such hostility did not come from nowhere. “Whoever they idolize, they are used to being confrontational and aggressive,” she stated, implying that the people they follow have set a tone that encourages this kind of treatment toward others.
The incident highlights how political divisions and differing views can extend beyond Philippine shores and affect interactions even among fellow citizens abroad. Castro’s account also raises concerns about the level of civility in public discourse, as she pointed out that the aggression was directed at them despite being engaged in legitimate work. She did not provide further details on whether the matter was reported to local authorities, but her statement serves as a reminder of the need for respect and restraint even amid differing beliefs.
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