Filipinos in Dublin wary of unrest in Northern Ireland, PE in Dublin issues advisory

By Rodelle Borja

Filipinos in Dublin say they are taking precautions in the wake of the advisory released by the Philippine Embassy in Dublin on the racist riots in Ballymena and Northern Ireland.

Maria Charina Barago, senior staff nurse at Saint James´s Hospital from Blackrock, Dublin felt the racist riots to be “scary, unacceptable and disgraceful.”

Asked whether she’s worried about her own safety, she said “there’s nothing to be scared of since I mostly stay at home and don’t go much elsewhere, and I live in a peaceful neighbourhood with respectful people.”

Still, she is not leaving things to chance. She plans to take "precautions by going to places with a high presence of people and authorities and avoiding late-night outings in the city center.”

Similarly, Neil Alano, clinical nurse manager at the National Rehabilitation Hospital from Dun Laoghaire, Dublin also felt bad about the developments in Ballymena, saying “it’s upsetting and saddening.” He also admitted that he is alarmed that Filipino families were affected and that he “does not understand where the hate is coming from.”

Like Barago, Alano is taking heed of the advisory and intends to be vigilant, and will be avoiding unsafe areas like Dublin city center late at night. 

Health care assistant Kristine Bernabe from Co. Wicklow also said that while she lives in a peace place,"it would be better to always be extra cautious and vigilant."

"It would be better to come up with a plan of what to do and who to ask for help from in the event of emergencies," she added.

He also said that in times like this, community action is  important and that “we should encourage everyone to stand together and speak out against any form of hate and violence.”

In the advisory, the embassy in Dublin, exhorts (the members of the Filipino community) “to remain careful and vigilant and to avoid disorderly and troubled areas for their welfare and safety.” It also said that the embassy is joining the Filipino community in the Republic of Ireland “in their expression of strong sympathy and support for kababayans in the midst of the regrettable developments in Ballymena, and encourages all Filipinos to do so.”

The Philippine Embassy in London, in a statement, said that it is “monitoring the situation ( in Northern Ireland) and is in constant coordination with local authorities to ensure the safety and security of all Filipinos in the area.” It also said that Philippine Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, Jr., is going to Northern Ireland “to assess the situation and ensure that that no one else is hurt.”

Ballymena and Northern Ireland are under United Kingdom and therefore under the purview and jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in London. The Philippine Embassy in Dublin covers only the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland and does not include Ballymena and Northern Ireland.

The unrest, triggered by racial tensions following an alleged sexual assault involving Romanian teenagers, has unfortunately affected Filipino individuals. Reports indicate that Filipinos have been caught in the crossfire, including a disturbing incident where a vehicle was set ablaze.

At least 10 Filipinos in Northern Ireland fled their homes as angry mobs attacked their houses or set their houses on fire, the Philippine embassy in London told the Business Mirror.

The report also said that “some house owners also post Philippine flags on their doors to spare them from being attacked by rioters.”

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans J. Cadac also disclosed that the department is assisting three OFWs who are affected by the unrest in Ballymena.

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