DFA reminds Filipinos in US to remain vigilant, report hate crimes

By JOAHNA LEI CASILAO, GMA News Amid the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes abroad, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday reminded Filipinos in the United States to remain vigilant and report any incident against the Filipino community. advertisement “We urge our kababayans in New York and surrounding areas to remain vigilant and to immediately report any incident of hate crimes against members of the Filipino Community,” the DFA said in a statement. The DFA issued the advisory as it welcomed the arrest of the suspect in the attack on a 65-year-old Filipina near Times Square in Manhattan, New York City on Monday. Reports state that the victim, Vilma Kari, was walking down a street on Monday when a man suddenly kicked her in the stomach. Upon falling to the ground, the attacker kicked Kari on the head three times. The suspect, identified as Brandon Elliot, was arrested the following day and charged with felony assault as a hate crime. “We express our gratitude to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and to all those who contributed to the efforts that led to the arrest,” the DFA said. Concerned Filipinos may reach the Philippine Consulate in New York through its hotline number at 917-294-0196, or they may call the Asian Hate Crimes Task Force of the New York Police Department at 1-800-440-HATE. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the attack will influence the country's foreign policy. — DVM, GMA News

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