Responding to the series of attacks against members of the Filipino Community, the Philippine Consulate General in New York headed by Consul General Elmer G. Cato issued a statement condemning the senseless violence in the strongest possible terms.
The full statement reads:
The Philippine Consulate General in New York condemns in the strongest terms the latest attacks against members of the Filipino Community after two more kababayan have been added to the growing list of victims of the senseless violence that has left many Filipinos in fear.
On Sunday, a 73-year-old Filipino was reported to have been assaulted by a homeless individual while on his way to church between 8th Avenue and 40th Street in Manhattan.
On Monday, a 53-year-old Filipino was beaten unconscious and robbed by another homeless individual at a McDonalds store on 7th Avenue near 34th Street.
The assaults, which follow the brutal attack against a 67-year-old Filipino woman in Yonkers, New York, two weeks ago, bring to 34 the number of anti-Asian hate incidents and criminal violence involving Filipinos since last year. The incidents in Manhattan bring to seven the number of cases involving members the Filipino Community reported to or monitored by the Philippine Consulate General in New York this year.
In view of this, the Philippine Consulate General in New York reminds kababayan to be vigilant at all times and to take the necessary precautions, especially when in public.
The Consulate again calls on authorities to do more to make sure that New York City is safe again for everyone by removing dangerous individuals, especially those with criminal records, from the streets and addressing concerns related to homelessness and mental health.