A FILIPINA health frontliner in New York City yesterday succumbed to injuries she sustained two days after she was attacked by a suspected mentally deranged person.
“We grieve with the Filipino community over the death of our kababayan Maria Ambrocio, a 58-year-old health frontliner from Bayonne New Jersey, New York City, who is the latest victim of deranged individuals on the loose in New York City, “ Philippine Consul General Elmer Cato said.
“Maria’s passing was announced shortly after she was removed from life support a few hours ago, “ he added.
Cato called on New York authorities to take the necessary steps, including heightened police visibility, to protect the public due to the surge in anti-Asian incidents, including Filipinos.
He also called on authorities to address mental health issues, especially among the homeless.
“We reiterate these calls as we mourn our loss but we also ask ourselves: How many more Maria Ambrocios do we have to mourn before the streets would be made safe again?” Cato said.
Cato said Ambrosio had been on life support for the head trauma she sustained in the attack last Friday.
Ambrosio, according to Cato, was walking with another Filipina near Times Square after visiting the Philippine Consulate General when she was struck by the suspect, who was reportedly being chased after grabbing a mobile phone from someone.
“The incident is the latest in a series of violent acts committee by mentally-ill individuals against members of the Filipino community in New York since the start of the year,” Cato said.
Cato had earlier said the number of violent incidents against Filipinos in New York since the start of 2021 has nearly climbed to a dozen.
