A Filipina health frontliner in New York City died due to head trauma following an unprovoked assault, the Philippine Consulate General said Sunday as it noted the rise in anti-Asian attacks.
Maria Ambrocio, 58, was walking with a compatriot near Times Square when she was knocked down by someone who was described as "a mentally disturbed, homeless man" last Friday and was put on life support until she expired, the consulate said.
"The incident is the latest in the series of violent acts committed by mentally-ill individuals against members of the Filipino Community in New York City since the start of the year," the consulate said.
Several Filipinos, mostly senior citizens according to the consulate have been assaulted by "individuals with mental health issues."
"We have joined calls for authorities to take the necessary steps, including heightened police visibility, to protect the public after we noted the surge in anti-Asian hate incidents that targeted some of our kababayan. We also supported calls for authorities to take the necessary measures to address mental health issues, especially among the homeless," the consulate said.
A memorial mass will be held for Ambrocio on Monday afternoon according to the consulate.
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