Pinoy tourist assaulted in New York

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine consulate general in New York yesterday advised the Filipino community to remain vigilant after an 18-year-old Filipino tourist from Cebu was reported to have been violently assaulted near the Philippine Center in Manhattan last Wednesday.

The assault was reportedly the 41st incident against Filipinos since last year.

In a post on Twitter yesterday morning, Elmer Cato, consul general of the Philippines in New York, issued the reminder yesterday, though he clarified that they have yet to establish whether the incident was related to anti-Asian hate or a random attack.

“An 18-year-old Filipino from Cebu visiting New York with his family was reported to have been assaulted while walking near @PHinNewYork on Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines). The victim suffered facial injuries. We are trying to find out if it was a random attack or an anti-Asian hate incident. @ DFAPHL,” Cato wrote in his post.

“Kababayan in New York have been reminded to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions while on streets or in subways following assault on 18-year-old Filipino tourist near @PHinNewYork @DFAPHL @AAFederation,” he poster an hour later.

The victim was walking with three other Filipinos near the corner of 6th Avenue and 46th Street when he was assaulted, based on information received by the consulate.

Cato noted that the Filipino sustained facial injuries from the beating he received from the suspect, who was eventually subdued and turned over to authorities.

He added that the consulate is in touch with the New York City Police Department to get more information on the incident.