Pinoys in US advised 'utmost caution' amid rise in hate crimes vs. Asians

The Philippine Embassy in Washington on Friday advised Filipinos in the United States to exercise "utmost caution" amid rising incidents of hate crimes against Asians in the country.

"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," an embassy statement said.

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

Robberies and assault were reported in Chinatowns in major US cities while pandemic-related racism targeting Asian-Americans were also prevalent on social media.

Despite these, the embaassy said it  appreciates the swift action taken by a number of local authorities to apprehend perpetrators of these attacks.

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

Filipinos who experience attacks are advised by the embassy to immediately call 911 to report incidents.

Appeal to DFA

In the Philippines, a lawmaker -- Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. -- called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to urge American authorities to address the rising incidents of hate crimes against Asians in the United States.

In a statement, Garbin said he fears for the safety of Filipino migrant workers as well as members of the Filipino-American communities in the US because of the reported attacks against Asians in the country.

"I request the Department of Foreign Affairs to express to the United States authorities, through our embassy and consulates, the necessity of protecting our citizens and fellow Filipinos," Garbin said.

"We hope the DFA prods the authorities in the US to make sure future assaults are prevented and the person who attacked the lola is arrested and charged."  —KBK, GMA News