SINGAPORE – A man was charged in court on March 18 over allegedly harbouring 10 women for prostitution purposes in Singapore, and absconding to Thailand despite being on bail.
Philip Ong Zhihe, 40, is accused of harbouring the 10 women from April to October 2024 while having reason to believe they had entered Singapore for the purposes of prostitution.
According to charge sheets, Ong allegedly harboured them in Geylang and in Minbu Road in Balestier. There is a gag order in place to protect the identities of the women.
Ong was one of 17 individuals arrested on Oct 21, 2024, over alleged vice-related and illegal drug activities during islandwide operations. Ong was then charged in court and released on court bail, with his passport impounded.
However, Ong did not attend his court mention on Dec 12, 2024, and an arrest warrant was issued against him.
