Filipinos in US told to avoid protest actions, areas of unrest

FILE: A memorial has been placed outside Cup Foods near 38th and Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the site where a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into the neck of George Floyd—an unarmed, handcuffed black man’s neck, killing him. (Photo By Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States – George Floyd Memorial at 38th and Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, CC BY 2.0)

MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in the United States (US) has advised Filipinos to be cautious and vigilant in ensuring their safety and well-being amid the escalating protest actions and incidences of unrest in various cities across the US.

In an advisory, the embassy urged Filipinos to adhere to security measures imposed by local authorities and avoid areas of unrest; and be aware of their surroundings and crowd buildups that may lead to disturbances like looting and destruction of properties.

Protest actions, some leading to looting and vandalism of establishments, continued across the US over the weekend following the death of George Floyd, an African-American man, at the hands of police last week in Minneapolis in the state of Minnesota.

Days following his death, tumultuous demonstrations swept beyond Minneapolis, from New York to Los Angeles and dozens of cities in between.

The embassy advised Filipinos to monitor their respective local news for the latest information.

No Filipino was reported hurt or injured due to the protests.

“Filipinos are strongly encouraged to abide by existing medical advisories on social distancing and the wearing of face masks in public areas on account of the current Covid-19 pandemic,” the embassy said.