Gov’t issues NY travel warning

Consulate also reminded Filipinos who are taking mass transport to remain vigilant where there are 55.5 percent increase in transit crimes compared to last year

Filipinos were warned about the rising cases of hate crimes in the United States financial center in New York City.

In an advisory released on 20 July (local time), the Philippine Consulate General in New York City cited police data showing a 37 percent citywide increase in major crimes.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), grand larceny was up 49 percent this year; grand larceny auto, 46.2 percent; robbery, 39.2 percent; and burglary with 32.9 percent.

The consulate also reminded Filipinos who are taking a mass transport to remain vigilant where there are 55.5 percent increase in transit crimes compared to last year. They also said that hate crimes also had a citywide increase of 12.6 percent.

“Kababayan are reminded to be situationally aware at all times when outside their residences and to take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime,” the Consulate said.

Victim won’t pursue raps

Consul General Elmer Cato said in a tweet that the recent attack against a Filipino tourist from Cebu was racially motivated, saying that the victim decided not to pursue charges against the suspect.

“Last week’s attack against a Filipino tourist from Cebu was racially motivated as suspect uttered anti-Asian slurs while he was beating up the victim in incident that took place a block away from @PHinNewYork. Victim decided not to pursue charges against suspect,” he tweeted.

The recent attack was the 41st instance involving a Filipino who was either a victim of a hate crime or a victim of criminal act since last year, according to the Consulate.