Filipino consular officer in New York verbally assaulted on rapid transit train

A Filipino consular officer in New York on Friday became another victim in a series of hate crimes against Asians in the US after she was verbally assaulted on her way to work.

In a Facebook post, Consul General Elmer Cato said the victim was accosted as soon as she stepped on board the train.

“Where’d you come from? Where’d you come from? We don’t need you here! We don’t need you here! F— you! I hope you all die and everybody on this train!” Cato said, quoting the suspect.

Cato said the incident has been reported to the New York City Police Department.

The Consul General expressed worry over the incident as he cited previous hate attacks against Filipinos in the area.

“We are deeply disturbed by this incident which came a few days after a member of the Filipino Community sustained injuries after he was violently assaulted in a subway platform in New York City,” he said.

“A few months ago, a kababayan got his face slashed in a hate-crime incident also in the subway,” he added.

According to Cato, this was the 14th hate attack against a member of the Filipino community that was reported to the Consulate.

“We join the Asia-American and Pacific Islander Community in condemning these incidents and in expressing our serious concern for the safety of our kababayan and other Asian-Americans in New York City,” he said.

He also called on New York authorities to increase police presence especially in subways, and address the mental health concerns that affect 40% of the homeless individuals in New York.

The Department of Foreign Affairs reminded Filipinos in the United States to remain vigilant and report any hate crimes against the Filipino community.

US President Joe Biden had signed a hate crimes law aimed at protecting Asian Americans who have suffered a surge in attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. — DVM, GMA News