SINGAPORE, June 19, 2014 - Singapore police Thursday said they were investigating an anonymous blog which listed ways to target the city-state's Filipino population, in the latest racial row there.
The post, titled "Filipino infestation in Singapore -- 5 point guide to showing displeasure without breaking the law" surfaced online in late May on a blog called "Blood Stained Singapore". It has since been taken down.
"Police confirm that reports were lodged and investigations are ongoing," a police spokesman said.
No details were released about the complainants but the Philippine embassy in Singapore had said in a statement that it had voiced concerns to authorities.
It said it had requested officials to "carry out the necessary action in accordance with the laws of Singapore to make the author of this blog answerable".
The blog suggested ways Singaporeans could agitate Filipino workers, such as refusing to be served by them in restaurants.
The police probe comes almost a month after a Philippine independence day celebration in Singapore was scrapped after organisers faced online abuse and threats.
Anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise in some segments of Singapore's local population, with many complaining that foreigners compete with them for jobs, housing, medical care as well as space on public transport.
This is despite a per capita income of $55,183, one of the highest in the world, and an unemployment rate of just over two percent.
Singaporeans make up just over 60 percent of the 5.4 million population, with its low fertility rate forcing the government to rely heavily on migrant workers.
Singapore's leading activists groups in May warned of a surge in "widespread use of racist, aggressive and militarised rhetoric" against foreigners on social networks.
Abusive comments are usually posted on anonymously-run local websites and Facebook pages.
The Filipino community in Singapore is estimated at more than 170,000.(AFP)
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