MANILA -- Labor chief Silvestre Bello III on Friday said he ordered the suspension and investigation of a Philippine labor official assigned in Dubai.

In a statement, Bello said he issued a directive placing welfare officer Danilo Flores of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Dubai under administrative suspension for alleged misconduct.

He added that an investigation will take place to determine Flores' culpability for alleged misbehavior in dealing with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

"The investigation followed an incident that transpired on April 16 between an OFW and welfare officer Flores which went viral on Facebook," he said.

"The said incident occurred in the course of the distribution of the OWWA food aid package for OFWs in Dubai and the Northern Emirates who have been displaced by the ongoing COVID-19," he added.

With the pending investigation of the incident, Bello said Flores is placed on suspension from his duties as welfare officer.

He assured the public of the department's continuing welfare and assistance programs for OFWs.

Flores has yet to issue a statement regarding the allegation.