The Philippine Consulate General in New York has called on authorities “to do more” following the recent attacks on two elderly Filipinos in Manhattan.
A 73-year-old Filipino man was walking to church along 8th Avenue and 40th Street in Manhattan on March 27 when a 44-year-old homeless man, identified as Dominic Staton, shoved him to the sidewalk.
The victim suffered a swollen, black eye and bruises all over his body, according to ABC correspondent CeFaan Kim, who shared a video of the incident to his Twitter account.
Staton, who reportedly has at least 10 prior arrests, was also accused of attempting another robbery on the same day. He was arrested and charged with assault, attempted robbery and attempted grand larceny.
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The next day, a 53-year-old Filipino man was beaten unconscious and robbed by another homeless man at a McDonald’s restaurant along 7th Avenue near 34th Street. The victim suffered wounds to his face and was reportedly rushed to the hospital.
New York Police Department Crime Stoppers’ footage of the incident shows the unidentified attacker fleeing from the scene. Crime Stoppers is calling on anyone who has information regarding the incident to contact them.
“The assaults, which follow the brutal attack against a 67-year-old Filipino woman in Yonkers, New York, two weeks ago, bring to 34 the number of anti-Asian hate incidents and criminal violence involving Filipinos since last year,” the Philippine Consulate said in a statement on their Facebook page. “The incidents in Manhattan bring to seven the number of cases involving members the Filipino Community reported to or monitored by the Philippine Consulate General in New York this year.”
The consulate reminded the city’s Filipino community “to be vigilant at all times and to take the necessary precautions, especially when in public.”
Consul General Elmer Cato also took to his Twitter account to condemn the latest attacks that have added to “the growing list of victims of the senseless violence that has left many Filipinos in fear.”
“The Consulate again calls on authorities to do more to make sure that New York City is safe again for everyone by removing dangerous individuals, especially those with criminal records, from the streets and addressing concerns related to homelessness and mental health,” the consulate added.
