CONCERNED with the rise in attacks on Asian-Americans in the United States, the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC on Thursday advised Filipinos there to exercise “utmost caution.”
In a statement, the Embassy said “we note with concern the rise in attacks on Asian Americans in various parts of the United States.”
“Filipinos are advised to exercise utmost caution in view of these incidents,” it said adding Filipinos who experience attacks should immediately call 911 to report incidents.
The statement called for further protection of people of Asian descent, including Filipinos, even as the Embassy said it recognized the swift action taken by local authorities on such attacks.
“The Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States appreciate the swift action taken by a number of local authorities to apprehend perpetrators of these attacks,” the advisory said.
“However, we call on federal, state, and local authorities to further ensure the protection of persons of Asian descent, including Filipinos,” the embassy added.
A dramatic increase of assaults against Asian Americans have been reported since the start of COVID-19 pandemic.
Between March and June, 2,100 violent acts directed towards Asians were reported.
The latest incident occured within the Asian American community in the Bay Area where an 84-year-old Thai immigrant Vicha Ratanapakdee died after an unidentified man assaulted him while on his routine morning walk on Jan. 28.
