THE Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles urged the Filipino community to prioritize their safety and avoid areas affected by protests against the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal migrants.
The consulate on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) urged Filipinos to “seek alternative and peaceful means of expressing their views at this time.”
In a statement posted on Facebook it reiterated its previous advise to the Filipino community to exercise caution and vigilance in view of the ongoing protests.
The consulate on Monday urged the Filipino community “to exercise caution and vigilance in view of the ongoing immigration protests taking place in downtown Los Angeles. They were advised to “avoid any crowd build-ups that may lead to disturbance.”
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez signed on June 13 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (Faldef) that will expand legal services to Filipinos in the United States.
During the signing ceremony, Romualdez thanked Faldef officials for supporting the Filipino community, especially undocumented immigrants.
He said that the MOU is one of the many ways by which the embassy and the Filipino community can work together to help the most vulnerable population.
“The embassy’s doors remain open to all Filipinos, most especially to those who need assistance,” Romualdez said.
“I call on all Filipino community organizations who have been advocating for the rights of our overseas Filipinos to partner with the embassy so we can support them in productive and meaningful ways,” he said.
The Faldef is an organization of lawyers that provides pro bono legal assistance to indigent Filipinos on matters related to immigration, labor trafficking, and violence against women.
Faldef president Licelle Cobrador signed the MOU on behalf of the organization.
Through the MOU, Filipinos in the US will have greater access to “Know Your Rights” seminars, free virtual and in-person legal clinics for client/lawyer consultations, and community education seminars.
