The Philippine Embassy in Washington advised Filipinos in the United States to exercise “utmost caution” amid rising incidents of hate crimes against Asians there.
“We note with concern the rise in attacks on Asian Americans in various parts of the country. Filipinos are advised to exercise utmost caution in view of these incidents,” the Embassy said in a statement.
Several reports involving a series of attacks against Asian Americans dominated US media outlets recently. The attacks prompted calls for action and vigilance among Asian-American communities.
Assault and robberies were reported in Chinatown while pandemic-related racism is targeting Asian-Americans on social media.
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“However, we call on federal, state and local authorities to further ensure the protection of persons of Asian descent, including Filipinos,” the embassy said.
Filipinos who have been victimized by attacks should immediately report to 911.
In a statement, AKO-BICOL partylist representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. appeals to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to urge American authorities to address the rising incidents of hate crimes against Asians in the United States.
“I request the Department of Foreign Affairs to express to the United States authorities, through our embassy and consulates, the necessity of protecting our citizens and fellow Filipinos,” Garbin said.
“We hope the DFA prods the authorities in the US to make sure future assaults are prevented and the person who attacked the lola is arrested and charged,” he added. (TDT)
