Attacks on Asians in US 'deeply concerning' —VP Robredo

Published April 05, 2021 08:50 AM

Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday voiced "deep concern" at the recent attacks on Asians, including Filipinos, in the United States, calling it "an appalling turn of events."

In a statement, Robredo said the attacks "has contributed to a climate of growing fear in an atmosphere already made volatile by COVID-19."

US media outlets have recently reported a wave of attacks against Asians and Asian-Americans in several states, prompting calls for action and vigilance among Asian communities.

Among those recently attacked was a 65-year-old Filipino woman

in New York City. A police video and another video taken by a bystander showed the woman was attacked in broad daylight by a Black man in midtown Manhattan. The suspect has already been arrested and charged.

No one came to the victim's aid. A doorman who witnessed the attack in front of a building where it happened closed the door on her.

Robredo said she is hopeful that the Biden administration will ensure the safety of all Asians and minority groups in the US, "even as it works to address the deeper issues of racism and racial violence."

"Towards this common goal, we stand as allies of the American people, behind a long history of friendship and a shared commitment to upholding democratic values and the dignity of every human being," she said.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington in February advised Filipinos in the US to exercise "utmost caution" amid rising incidents of hate crimes against Asians in the country. —KBK, GMA News

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