MANILA - A welfare officer in Dubai was ordered suspended and recalled to the Philippines after allegedly cursing at a female overseas Filipino worker, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Saturday.

"Mayroon kaming welfare officer in Dubai na minumura niya 'yung OFW. I saw it on Facebook na itong aming welfare officer na sa halip bigyan ng tulong, ng pagkain itong mga OFW, abay minumura," said Bello during the virtual Laging Handa press briefing.

(We have a welfare officer in Dubai caught cursing at an OFW. I saw it on Facebook that this welfare officer, instead of giving help, food to the OFW, he even cursed at her.)

"I ordered a suspension and investigation and ordered his recall to the Philippines. The first available flight uuwi na siya (he will come back home)," said Bello.

In a Facebook Live on April 16, OFW Joy Parafina identified the welfare officer as one Danilo Flores.

In the video that has gone viral, a distressed Parafina said she called up Flores to inquire if there is a receipt to the food pack being distributed to OFWs and if it was part of the $200 cash aid from the Philippine government.

Government earlier announced aid for Filipino migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But instead of answering her question, Parafina said the welfare officer even cursed at her.

"Nagmura po, ako na nga daw po ang tinutulungan ayaw ko pang tanggapin," Parafina said.

(He cursed at me and said they are helping me but I won't accept.)

Parafina later found out that the food assistance given to OFWs were donations and not part of the cash aid from the Philippine government.

Bello said the welfare officer will be investigated.