Immigration Crackdown in Siargao: Ten Foreign Nationals Arrested

Immigration Crackdown in Siargao: Ten Foreign Nationals Arrested

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 29, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In Siargao, a significant enforcement action aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster national security and immigration integrity has led the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to apprehend ten foreign nationals. The intelligence-driven operations, conducted across the popular island destination on June 26, targeted individuals allegedly violating Philippine immigration laws.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed the arrests, stating that the operations were a direct response to numerous reports from local residents and business owners. “Our intelligence divisions, both from the Main Office and the Mindanao Intelligence Task Group, executed these operations with precision,” Viado remarked.

Fortunato S. Manahan, Jr., Chief of the BI Intelligence Division, underscored the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a robust intelligence presence in key tourist areas experiencing increased foreign visitor traffic. “Community cooperation was paramount to the success of these operations,” Manahan emphasized. “Siargao residents and stakeholders actively reported suspected violations, enabling the BI to act swiftly and safeguard the integrity of this premier tourist destination.”

Among those taken into custody, as reported by BI Intelligence Division Mindanao Deputy Chief Melody Gonzales, were:

Israeli Nationals Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael and Aharon Ida (both 22)

Arrested for overstaying and unauthorized employment. They were reportedly managing a Jewish center and working at an Israeli restaurant without proper visas or work permits and failed to present passports.

Israeli National Abeve Tewabel (23)

Apprehended for unauthorized work and deemed an undesirable alien due to a previous arrest by local authorities.

Israeli National Etay Harari (51)

 Arrested for working as a disc jockey without the requisite work authorization.

Moroccan National Larbi Oirdi (23)

Faces immigration charges as an undesirable alien, stemming from prior arrests for offenses including unjust vexation, direct assault, and serious resistance.

Australian National Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri (34)

Detained for overstaying by nine years and working at a Siargao hotel without valid immigration status.

Nigerian National Bill James Augustine (27)

Apprehended for illegally working as a dog trainer.

Lithuanian National Edgar Drozdov (39)

Found managing a resort and operating as a food delivery rider without the required permits.

Chinese Nationals Zhu Guifu (36) and Chen Anqi (31)

Located at a surf resort, both were found to be overstaying and had existing blacklist records due to prior immigration violations.

Commissioner Viado reiterated the Philippines’ open stance towards legitimate visitors while issuing a stern warning. “The Philippines welcomes genuine tourists, investors, and foreign visitors. Our hospitality is renowned globally,” Viado stated. “However, this hospitality must not be mistaken for tolerance of those who exploit our laws. Individuals who abuse their privilege of staying in our country will face the full force of the law.”

He concluded, “The Bureau maintains a strong presence not only in Siargao but across all major tourist destinations. Our intelligence operations will intensify, and further enforcement actions are imminent against foreign nationals who persist in disregarding our immigration laws.”

All ten foreign nationals are currently held at the Bureau’s detention facility in Manila, pending immigration proceedings.

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