Pinoy killed in a ‘hate crime’

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MANILA — US authorities were requested on Thursday to locate the killer of a Filipino who allegedly died in a ‘hate crime.’

According to police reports, Robert Martirez, 56 was pronounced dead at Elmhurst Hospital on Tuesday.

Martirez was rushed to the hospital after he was punched in the face on Saturday.

Reports indicated that Martirez was asked if he was a Filipino before he was punched in the face.

The New York police district identified the victim as a limousine driver, who was assaulted along Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, several blocks from his home.

A photo of the man who is now wanted for questioning was released on Monday.

The Philippine embassy has asked the US authorities to find the suspect.

“The embassy expresses its condolences to the family of Martirez and is urging police authorities to find his assailant,” Elmer Cato, minister and consul for press and information of the Philippine embassy, said.