SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte — Ten foreign nationals were arrested in a series of intelligence-driven operations across Siargao Island on June 26 as the Bureau of Immigration (BI) intensified its campaign against illegal foreign activities in one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.
The coordinated operations, conducted by operatives from the BI Intelligence Division Main Office and the BI Intelligence Division Mindanao Intelligence Task Group, were launched following reports from local residents and business owners regarding foreigners allegedly violating Philippine immigration laws.
Those arrested include four Israeli nationals, two Chinese nationals, one Moroccan, one Australian, one Nigerian, and one Lithuanian.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, several of the foreign nationals were found to have overstayed their visas, worked without the required permits, carried existing blacklist records, or had previously been declared undesirable aliens due to earlier violations of Philippine laws.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that while the Philippines remains open to legitimate tourists, investors, and foreign visitors, the government will not tolerate those who abuse the country’s hospitality.
“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,” Viado said.
He stressed that foreigners who disregard Philippine immigration laws “must face the consequences,” adding that similar enforcement operations will continue not only in Siargao but also in other major tourist destinations nationwide.
Intelligence operations fueled by community reports
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato S. Manahan Jr. said the successful operations highlighted the Bureau’s sustained intelligence presence in key tourism hubs experiencing a growing influx of foreign visitors.
“Our intelligence personnel continuously monitor reports from local communities and work closely with partner law enforcement agencies to ensure that foreign nationals comply with Philippine laws while enjoying the country’s tourist destinations,” Manahan said.
He also credited local residents and stakeholders for actively reporting suspected immigration violations, enabling authorities to act swiftly.
“The cooperation of the Siargao community played a vital role in preserving the safety and integrity of one of the country’s premier tourist destinations,” he added.
Details of the arrests
According to BI Intelligence Division Mindanao Deputy Chief Melody Gonzales, Israeli nationals Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael, 22, and Aharon Ida, 22, were arrested after authorities found that they had overstayed their visas and were working without the appropriate immigration documents.
Investigators said the two were employed at an Israeli restaurant while simultaneously managing a Jewish center in Siargao despite lacking the necessary work visas and permits. They also reportedly failed to present their passports during the operation.
Another Israeli national, Abeve Tewabel, 23, was apprehended for allegedly working without proper documentation and was also tagged as an undesirable alien following a previous arrest by local authorities.
Meanwhile, fellow Israeli Etay Harari, 51, was arrested after authorities found him working as a disc jockey without securing the required work authorization.
Moroccan national Larbi Oirdi, 23, was also taken into custody. Immigration authorities said he faces charges as an undesirable alien in connection with his previous arrest for unjust vexation, direct assault, serious resistance, disobedience, and other offenses.
Australian national Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri, 34, was found to have allegedly overstayed in the Philippines for nine years while working at a hotel in Siargao without valid immigration status.
Authorities likewise arrested Nigerian national Bill James Augustine, 27, who was reportedly working illegally as a dog trainer.
Lithuanian national Edgar Drozdov, 39, was found managing a resort while also working as a food delivery rider without the necessary immigration permits.
The operations also resulted in the arrest of Chinese nationals Zhu Guifu, 36, and Chen Anqi, 31, who were located at a surf resort. Immigration authorities said both had overstayed their visas and already had existing blacklist records stemming from previous immigration violations.
Facing immigration proceedings
All ten foreign nationals have been transferred to the Bureau of Immigration’s detention facility in Manila, where they will remain while undergoing immigration proceedings that could ultimately result in their deportation and permanent exclusion from re-entering the Philippines.
The Bureau reiterated that it will continue conducting intelligence-driven operations against foreign nationals who violate Philippine immigration laws, warning that more enforcement actions are expected as authorities strengthen monitoring in the country’s major tourism destinations.