PHL Embassy in Israel denies involvement in ‘lewd’ Christmas party


The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv on Thursday denied that it was involved in the Christmas party organized by Filipino groups that featured male erotic dancers.
"The Embassy had no hand in that Filipino Community event, and calls on everyone to assist in stopping the spread of fake news that may have a detrimental effect on the image of Filipinos in Israel,"  Ambassador Nathaniel Imperial said in a statement.
The party was held in Haifa, an hour's drive from Tel Aviv where the embassy is located, he pointed out.
Imperial issued the statement after photos from the party — showing a half-naked Caucasian male performing in front of a Filipina — went viral on social media.
The photos were posted by one Niño Ruelo Barzaga on Facebook as he asked the Philippine Embassy why it allowed such party to happen.
Netizens described the photos as "bastos" and "malaswa," with some even saying that it may affect the image of Filipinas in other countries.
Imperial said although embassy representatives attended the party, they "were unaware that the performance was part of the program, and left when the performances started."
"The Embassy later called the attention of the organizers about the inappropriateness of the show, and has asked them to provide an explanation in writing," he said.
Imperial said they have received complaints from Filipinos who attended the party. "We are taking action on those complaints now," he said.
The photos from the party were posted on January 1 and have since been shared 2,339 times. —KBK, GMA News

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