Statement: On Further Allegations in Social Media Involving the Department of Foreign Affairs

18 May 2020 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) notes that a certain Josef Leroi Garcia has replied to the previous DFA statement refuting his claim that the Philippine Embassy in Australia had contacted his niece, a certain Carmela Buan Laxina, and now alleges it was the Consulate in Sydney that contacted and invited her for questioning.

The Department reiterates that its diplomatic and consular missions in Australia, including the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, have not contacted Ms. Laxina either officially or using private and alternative contact numbers as alleged by Mr. Garcia. Any call that may have been received by his niece was not made by anyone connected with the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Australia. It bears stressing that the allegations against the Department remain unsubstantiated, as no name, date and time, or phone number relating to the purported communication have been provided or corroborated.

The Department appeals for sobriety and verity in this time of global pandemic where accurate and reliable information are essential to the welfare and wellbeing of every person. END