An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was allegedly assaulted by a man at the Lucky Shopping Centre in Singapore after she refused his offer to buy him a drink, triggering public outrage after a video of the incident circulated online.
The viral footage shows a bald man chasing, punching, and kicking a woman inside the shopping complex, causing panic and a loud commotion among bystanders. Several members of the public quickly intervened, preventing the situation from escalating further.
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According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Philippine labor attaché in Singapore has already identified the woman involved and reached out to her to offer assistance.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed that the Migrant Workers Office is currently coordinating with the victim to assess her condition and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Nag-uusap na yung ating Migrant Workers Office labor attaché in Singapore, but ngayon inaalam pa natin ang exact cause ng pangyayari. Of course, medical assistance is the most basic there, and regarding the filing of the complaint, our lawyer would stand ready to help her,” Cacdac said.
(Our Migrant Workers Office labor attaché in Singapore is already in discussions with her, but we are still determining the exact cause of the incident. Medical assistance is the immediate priority, and our lawyer is ready to assist her in filing a complaint.)
The OFW reportedly has already informed the labor attaché about the incident, although specific details have not yet been made public.
Cacdac emphasized that the incident constitutes a criminal offense and assured that legal action is being pursued.
“It’s assault, physical assault. It’s a crime anywhere in the world, especially in Singapore. We are looking into it and filing the necessary legal actions,” he said.
Authorities in Singapore are expected to investigate the incident, while Philippine officials continue to monitor the case to ensure the victim receives proper medical, legal, and welfare support.
The DMW reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of Filipino workers overseas and urged OFWs to immediately report incidents of abuse or violence to the nearest Philippine post or Migrant Workers Office.
