by Danny Buenafe, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau ChiefPosted at 07/06/2010 12:01 PM

BELFAST, Ireland – Filipinos in Northern Ireland fear there could be renewed racist attacks against them on July 12 to commemorate so-called Orange Reformation Day.

It is a grand annual celebration held by Irish Protestants, where they hold colorful marches and parades. The event culminates with simultaneous bonfires all over the country.

The yearly event has often been marred by street violence involving mostly the youth.

The June 22 racist attack against 2 Filipinos and an Indian worker is still a hot news item in Northern Ireland.

The families of Ishis Calungsod and Arnel Verzonilla could not believe they could fall victims in what police claim as a clear case of racially-motivated hate crimes allegedly instigated by Irish youngsters.

The SUV car of Verzonilla was set on fire and the blaze spread quickly, partially damaging the front section of Calungsod’s house.

Migrant workers in Northern Ireland, including Filipinos, usually end up as racist attack victims because many of them are Christians.

Historically, there is still a brewing conflict between Protestants and Christians in Northern Ireland which stemmed in 1690 in what was called “Battle of the Boyne” that was won by the Protestant group. Northern Ireland is dominated by Protestants.

But apart from the religious conflict, some Filipinos see it differently.

For the family of Verzonilla, they have decided not to go out of their house on July 12 when Irish Protestants celebrate Orange Day.

The city council and several Irish Members of Parliament (MPs) have already apologized to both Verzonilla and Calungsod, saying it was an absolute disgrace.

For his part, Ambassador Ariel Abadilla advised Filipinos in Belfast not to be intimidated by such isolated radical acts.

There are about 7,000 Filipinos in Northern Ireland mostly working in hospitals and caring homes.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/07/06/10/pinoys-belfast-fear-new-wave-orange-day-racist-attacks