The Bureau of Immigration arrested 10 foreign nationals in Siargao following complaints from local residents and business owners over alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said intelligence teams from Manila and Mindanao carried out the operation on June 26 as part of an island-wide crackdown on foreigners allegedly overstaying, working without permits, or violating the conditions of their stay.
Four Israeli nationals were among the first to be arrested.
Two of them, 22-year-old Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael and Aharon Ida, were allegedly found to have overstayed their visas, worked at a local restaurant, and managed a Jewish center without the required work permits. BI agents also found that they did not have their passports with them during the operation.
Authorities also arrested Abeve Tewabel, 23, and Etay Harari, 51, both Israeli nationals, for allegedly working on the island without valid permits. Tewabel was also found to have a prior arrest record with local police.
BI operatives also apprehended 34-year-old Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri, who was allegedly working at an island hotel without a valid visa. Immigration records showed she had been overstaying in the country for nine years.
Also arrested was Larbi Oirdi, 23, of Morocco, who authorities said had previous police charges for fighting and disobedience.
Nigerian national Bill James Augustine, 27, was also taken into custody for allegedly working illegally as a dog trainer on the island.
Lithuanian national Edgar Drozdov, 39, was arrested for allegedly managing a local resort and working as a food delivery rider without the required government permits.
BI agents also apprehended Chinese nationals Zhu Guifu, 36, and Chen Anqi, 31, at a popular surf resort. Immigration records showed they were overstaying and had derogatory records, including inclusion in the immigration blacklist.
“The Philippines remains a welcoming destination for legitimate tourists, investors, and foreign visitors. Our people are known around the world for their hospitality. But that hospitality should never be mistaken for tolerance of those who choose to violate our laws. Those who abuse the privilege of staying in our country must face the consequences,” Viado said.
Viado said the BI would continue its intelligence and enforcement operations not only in Siargao but also in other major tourist destinations across the country.
“More enforcement actions will follow against foreign nationals who persist in disregarding our immigration laws,” he said.
All 10 foreign nationals were brought to the BI detention facility in Manila, where they will remain pending deportation proceedings.