A Singaporean man was charged on Wednesday, April 22, for allegedly assaulting a Filipina in a viral incident at Lucky Plaza.
A screengrab from a viral video shows a man allegedly assaulting a Filipina at a mall in Singapore (Screengrab from Manila Bulletin contributed video)
Authorities identified the suspect as Andrew Suresh Markandan, 47, who is facing two counts of voluntarily causing hurt and two counts of mischief for allegedly attacking the victim and damaging her belongings.
Police said the suspect and the victim, identified as “Vilma,” knew each other.
If convicted, the suspect may face up to three years in jail or a fine of up to S$5,000 (around P236,000) for causing hurt, and up to two years in jail or a fine, or both, for mischief.
The case has been adjourned to May.
Investigators said the man had earlier been issued a 12-month conditional warning in May last year after allegedly assaulting the same woman at a hotel in Bugis, where he reportedly slapped and punched her.
However, authorities said he allegedly breached the warning after attacking the victim again on Feb. 8 at Lucky Plaza, where he reportedly hit the back of her neck and kicked her, causing bruises and minor injuries.
He also allegedly damaged her belongings, including bending her ATM card, denting her mobile phone after throwing it, and breaking the strap of her bag.
The incident gained public attention after a video circulated online.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore said on Feb. 11 that it had immediately reached out to the victim and was providing assistance.
The embassy added that it had coordinated with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to ensure the safety and well-being of the Filipina.