Manila, July 7 -- Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Tuesday said the Philippine government did not file any complaint against Filipino protesters who harassed her during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s official visit to Canada.

Castro said the government respects the protesters' right to free speech and decided not to pursue legal action.

"Wala kaming finile na complaint (We did not file any complaint)," she said in an interview.

Castro admitted that she was initially surprised by the protesters' rude behavior but said she chose to ignore the incident.

Castro said she was unaware of the videos of the confrontation, which went viral on social media.

"Noong una, binalewala na lang namin. Sabi namin, siguro parte iyan. Kasi hin...