THE Philippine Consulate General in New York condemned the latest anti-Asian attack against a Filipino-American who was repeatedly punched in the face in Manhattan subway station and called on authorities to take the necessary steps to protect the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community.

Philippine Consul General Elmer Cato, in a statement issued Wednesday night said “We strongly condemn this latest anti-Asian hate crime that targeted a member of the Filipino Community in New York City. We again call on authorities to take the necessary steps to protect members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community.”

Cato, thus, called on the Filipino-Americans to remain vigilant especially when taking the subway due to rising criminality.

The Consul General also urged authorities to address the mental health concerns of 40 percent of homeless individuals in New York City.

News reports said the 52-year old Filipino-American from Queens, first saw another man who looked like Asian being assaulted but managed to escape.

Then the attacker turned to the Fil-Am and repeatedly punched him in the face and yelled “go back to where you came from.”

Cato said the Philippine Consulate General stands ready to extend assistance and is now trying to contact the victim to determine what kind of help he would require.

The Consul General advised Filipino-Americans to call 911 in case of emergency or the Philippine Consulate General at +19172394118.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cristina Lee-Pisco