Courtesy: Sky News
THE Philippine Embassy in London has confirmed that Filipino nationals in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, were caught in the crossfire of recent “racist riots.”
The unrest, which began after an alleged assault by two Romanian teenagers, resulted in several Filipino homes and vehicles being targeted and damaged.
In a statement released on June 12, the embassy expressed deep regret over the incident. “Unfortunately, in the ensuing unrest, Filipinos in the area have been targeted,” the statement read.
“It is regrettable that innocent individuals have been caught in the crossfire. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant coordination with local authorities to ensure the safety and security of all Filipinos in the area.”
Reports indicate that several Filipino-owned properties suffered damage during the riots, with some vehicles and homes being set ablaze.
The Embassy is working closely with local authorities to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to affected Filipinos.
To address the situation directly, Philippine Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. is scheduled to arrive in Northern Ireland on June 13. His visit aims to engage directly with the Filipino community in Ballymena and ensure their safety and well-being.
The embassy has urged all Filipinos in Ballymena and surrounding areas to remain vigilant, heed the advice of local authorities, and contact the embassy immediately for any urgent assistance.
They have also advised Filipinos in the area to remain alert and report any incidents to the embassy without delay. The embassy continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as they become available.
