The families of 2 Filipinos who fell victims to racist attacks in Northern Ireland are safe, the Philippines' foreign affairs department reported Thursday.
The Philippine Embassy in London said the family of Isish Calungsod and individuals belonging to other ethnic groups were targeted in a racially-motivated arson attack in the township of Whiteabbey, 8 kilometers north of Belfast in Northern Ireland, last June 22, 2010.
“The embassy has been in touch with Mr. Calungsod and Mr. Arnel Verzonilla and they and their families are safe,” the embassy said in a statement.
The attack left Calungsod’s house and the vehicle of Verzonilla, scorched.
The Philippine post also urged the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to undertake swift and effective action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Such hate crimes should be eradicated and the root causes addressed to ensure that these acts do not undermine the cross-community successes in Northern Ireland in recent years,” said the embassy.
It added, “the Embassy underscores its support for the Filipino community in this country, especially towards the smooth, secure and productive integration of Filipinos into Northern Ireland communities and the greater UK society”.
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