Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Saturday criticized a group of Filipinos who disrupted a video shoot during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Vancouver, Canada, saying their behavior was not reflective of Filipino values.

Castro made the statement after a video circulated online showing her being approached by several Filipinos while she was filming a reel related to the President’s official visit.

“You are Filipinos. That is not the attitude of Filipinos,” Castro said.

According to Castro, she and another Malacañang official were carrying out their duties when the group suddenly approached them and began airing their grievances, including calls for Marcos’ resignation.

The Palace official said she felt threatened by the incident, noting that she was accompanied only by one staff member who was filming the content.

Castro said she was uncertain whether members of the group could become violent.

“We have freedom of expression, but we should not be rude,” she said.

She added that they were fortunate that police officers were nearby, as the group allegedly followed them from one location to another.

Castro also lamented what she described as a lack of respect among some Filipinos toward fellow citizens.

“If that will be the behavior of Filipinos, they will not progress. They are pitiful,” she said.

Marcos and members of his delegation arrived in Canada on 1 July for a four-day official visit.

The trip aims to strengthen diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada, including cooperation on issues involving the West Philippine Sea.