Two Filipino casino slot and live games nurses from the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) were among the victims of the unrest in Sunderland, CQ9 based on reports.
According to a Mirror report, the Filipino nurses were on their way to work for emergency cover when they were caught in the riot. The rioters reportedly threw rocks at the taxis they were traveling into, leaving the nurses “terrified.”
The Philippine Nurses Association UK has condemned the incident, saying that they are united against racism.
“Our community has been an integral part of the NHS since 1969 and along with other Filipino Nurses' Associations based here in the UK, we are united against racism and will continue to support the Filipino communities here in the UK irrespective of their profession and geographical location,” the group said.
The group also urged the nurses in the UK to contact their managers and the police if they feel threatened or if they cannot guarantee their own safety.
The Philippine Embassy in London has also to exercise due caution amid the violence in the country.
“Filipinos in the United Kingdom are urged to remain vigilant, exercise due caution, follow the latest updates and guidance issued by UK authorities, and avoid areas of mass gathering where there may be disruption or violence,” the Embassy said.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, said he was “appalled” by the recent news reports of violence, emphasizing that the British government will ensure that those guilty of the crimes “will suffer the full force of the law.”
“These people are there for our country when we need them. They look after us at our most vulnerable and bust a gut to keep us well. Their attackers bring shame on our nation and our flag. We will not tolerate NHS or social care staff being subjected to intimidation, harassment, or racist abuse,” Streeting said in a video message posted August 9 on Facebook.
“Anyone racially or violently abusing NHS staff or care staff can and should be turned away. These are the disgraceful actions of a tiny minority. These far-right thugs have no idea about our country's history or heritage. They do not represent who we are,” he added.
GMA News Online sought for the comment of the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and will update this story once it responds.—Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA Integrated News
