PH embassy cautions Filipinos in US as anti-Asian attacks rise

The Philippine Embassy in Washington reminded Filipinos in the United States to exercise “utmost caution” amid the rising number of attacks against Asian-Americans in various parts of the state.

“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 released on February 26.

The embassy also expressed its gratitude to the local authorities for their “swift action” to apprehend those involved in some incidents.

“However, we call on federal, state, and local authorities to further ensure the protection of persons of Asian descent, including Filipinos,” the embassy appealed.

Victims of these attacks are advised to immediately call the emergency hotline 911.

On February 15, an elderly Filipino woman was assaulted in a random attack on a San Diego trolley. The suspect, an unidentified man, allegedly punched the woman for no reason at all, according to a report from ABC 10News.

Also in early February, a Filipino American received almost 100 stitches on the face after he was slashed by another passenger on the New York City subway.

Noel Quintana, 61, who is based in New York, said the assailant was reportedly kicking his backpack during the train ride and when he confronted him to stop, the man attacked him and slashed his face with a box cutter.

On January 31, an 84-year-old Thai national, Vicha Ratanapakdee, was walking in the San Francisco area when an unidentified man ran across the street and violently shoved him to the ground. His head hit the pavement and he later died.

Days later, a 91-year-old Asian man was also violently shoved to the ground in Oakland’s Chinatown.