Pinoy killed in US hate crime

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine embassy in Washington asked US authorities yesterday to find the killer of a Filipino in Queens, New York, who died in what investigators described as a hate crime.

Reports said Robert Martirez, 56, was pronounced dead at Elmhurst Hospital on Tuesday where he was taken after he was punched in the face on Saturday.

Elmer Cato, minister and consul for press and information of the Philippine embassy, said the country’s consulate general in New York is looking into the case.

“The embassy expresses its condolences to the family of Martirez and is urging police authorities to find his assailant,” Cato said.

Martirez, a limousine driver, was assaulted along Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, several blocks from his home, the DNAinfo New York said, quoting the New York police district.

The report said the man asked Martirez if he was a Filipino before punching him in the face.

Martirez fell and hit his head on the ground and was brought to hospital in critical condition.

Investigators are treating the case as a potential hate crime.

The report said Martirez’s friend, who was with him during the incident, said the victim was taunted about being a Filipino.

The report said a memorial was erected at the site of the attack with the victim’s picture and an inscription saying: “He was viciously attacked on this spot.”

Police on Monday released a photo of a man wanted for questioning, described as being in his early to mid-20s, with facial hair.

A report of The FilAm said Martirez died from the severity of the assault.

The report said the victim’s family has offered a $2,000 reward for the arrest of the suspect. Members of the Filipino-American community contributed to the reward money.