Immigration: Rule-breaking foreigners in Siargao to face penalties

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration said that foreign nationals in Siargao who violate immigration laws will face sanctions.

In a message to Philstar.com on Tuesday, April 7, Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that authorities have been monitoring the movements of foreign nationals following reports of alleged misconduct by Israeli nationals in Siargao.

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“We have seen the posts on social media and we are taking reports about foreign nationals very seriously. Foreigners found to be violating immigration laws will definitely face sanctions,” Sandoval said.

“If found to have violated immigration laws, violators may face deportation and blacklisting,” she added.

Sentiments on social media mention Israeli nationals allegedly abusing and “exploiting” Filipino locals.

A report from Arab News said that complaints from residents and local business owners were also compiled by Siargao-based non-governmental organization Project Paradise as early as April this year.

According to the organization’s president, Sofia Nicole de Asis, they have documented numerous complaints concerning a lack of respect for local traditions and values.

She detailed specific grievances, including noise pollution, dangerous driving, and a failure to observe modest dress codes in rural communities, as well as environmental neglect such as littering on beaches and in conservation zones.

“For us, this development doesn’t pose an issue. Being Jewish is not a nationality, and our mission is not to police identity, but to promote coexistence, responsibility, and respect for the island. Our focus is on behavior, not background,” De Asis said, according to an Arab News report.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism said that it echoed the sentiments of the locals to the Embassy of Israel in Manila. —with reports from Interaksyon