An Akbayan Party-list lawmaker has called on authorities to immediately locate and arrest foreign nationals allegedly involved in the assault of Filipino café owners in Siargao earlier this month.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) was also urged to pursue both criminal and deportation proceedings against the suspects, who were reportedly identified by witnesses as Israeli tourists.
The incident allegedly took place on May 11 after the foreigners reportedly confronted the café owners over a pro-Palestinian flag displayed inside the establishment.
According to reports, the suspects allegedly assaulted the Filipino owners and destroyed security cameras before fleeing the area.
“Kailangan natin protektahan ang mga Pilipino sa Siargao. It has been a week since the Filipino owners have been assaulted and yet no arrests have been made,” Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula said.
The Zamboanga lawmaker questioned the lack of arrests and said authorities still have not publicly identified the suspects or disclosed their whereabouts.
She also challenged the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines to actively cooperate with local authorities in identifying and surrendering the individuals involved.
“Kung seryoso ang Embassy ng Israel sa paggalang sa ating batas at sa pangangalaga sa diplomatic relations ng ating mga bansa, hinahamon natin silang tumulong sa pagtukoy, paghanap, at pag-surrender sa mga kababayan nilang nambugbog sa mga Pilipino,” she said.
The Akbayan lawmaker noted that the assault was not an isolated incident involving foreign tourists in Siargao.
She cited an earlier disturbance in April 2026 involving Israeli and American tourists at a beach club in General Luna that was publicly condemned by local authorities.
Ismula stressed that while the Philippines remains open to foreign visitors, abusive behavior against Filipinos should not be tolerated.
“Hindi welcome sa Pilipinas ang mga bastos at mapanakit sa mga Pilipino,” she said.