NY Pinoys advised to report hate crimes
The recent attack was the 42nd incident since last year involving a Filipino who was either a victim of a hate crime or a criminal act
The Philippine Consulate General in New York advises Filipinos to call its hotlines should they find themselves in distress due to hate incidents or other crimes.
In an advisory released on Thursday, the Consulate said, “Kababayan residing in New York and those on temporary visits are reminded always to remain vigilant and to take the necessary precautions, especially when walking in the streets or taking mass transport.”
This came after the Consulate received a report of a hate incident involving a 51-year-old Filipina who was verbally assaulted and harassed by someone who appeared to be a homeless woman on Saturday afternoon at the 63rd Drive Subway Station in Rego Park, Queens.
The recent attack was the 42nd incident since last year involving a Filipino who was either a victim of a hate crime or a criminal act, it added.
The Consulate may be reached at its hotline at +1-917-294-0196 and +1-917-239-4118 for assistance. It also advised Filipinos to call 911 in case of an emergency.
Filipinos in New York are being asked to report these incidents to help it assess the situation more accurately and enable it to issue timely advisories that will ensure the safety and security of members of the Filipino community.
Consul General Elmer Cato told Daily Tribune, “Our kababayan did not report the incident to the police. Neither did she file any charges.”
In an advisory released on 20 July, the Consulate General cited New York City Police Department data of a 37 percent citywide increase in major crimes.
Grand larceny was up 49 percent this year, grand larceny auto, 46.2 percent, robbery, 39.2 percent and burglary, 32.9 percent.
It also reminded Filipinos taking mass transport to remain vigilant, since there has been a 55.5 percent increase in transit crimes compared to last year. It also said hate crimes increased citywide by 12.6 percent.