BI cracks down on illegal aliens in Siargao, 10 foreigners arrested

SIARGAO — In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to safeguard communities and strengthen immigration enforcement, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested ten foreign nationals in a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted across Siargao Island on June 26.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the operations were carried out by operatives from the BI Intelligence Division Main Office and the BI Intelligence Division Mindanao Intelligence Task Group following reports from local residents and business owners regarding foreign nationals allegedly violating Philippine immigration laws.

BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato S. Manahan, Jr. said the operations underscore the Bureau’s commitment to maintaining a strong intelligence presence in the country’s major tourist destinations, particularly areas 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 added that community cooperation played a crucial role in the successful operations.

Residents and local stakeholders of Siargao were very active in reporting suspected immigration violations, allowing the BI to act swiftly and preserve the safety and integrity of one of the country’s premier tourist destinations,” siad Manahan.

BI Intelligence Division Mindanao Deputy Chief Melody Gonzales reported that among those arrested were Israeli nationals Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael and Aharon Ida, both 22 years old, who were found overstaying and working without the appropriate visas and permits.

The two were reportedly employed at an Israeli restaurant and were also managing a Jewish center despite lacking the required immigration documents. They were likewise unable to present their passports during the operation.

Another Israeli national, Abeve Tewabel, 23, was apprehended for working without the 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 being found working as a disc jockey without the necessary work authorization.

Also arrested was Moroccan national Larbi Oirdi, 23, who is facing immigration charges as an undesirable alien in connection with his previous arrest for unjust vexation, direct assault, serious resistance and disobedience, among other offenses.

Australian national Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri, 34, was likewise arrested after authorities found that she had overstayed in the Philippines for nine years while working at a hotel in Siargao without valid immigration status.

Nigerian national Bill James Augustine, 27, was apprehended for illegally working as a dog trainer, while Lithuanian national Edgar Drozdov, 39, was found managing a resort and working as a food delivery rider without the required permits.

The operations also led to the arrest of Chinese nationals Zhu Guifu, 36, and Chen Anqi, 31, who were located at a surf resort. Both were found to be overstaying and had existing blacklist records arising from previous immigration violations.

“The Philippines remains a welcoming destination for legitimate tourists, investors, and foreign visitors. Our people are known around the world for their hospitality,” Viado said. “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. The Bureau maintains a strong presence not only in Siargao but in other major tourist destinations across the country, and our intelligence operations will continue. More enforcement actions will follow against foreign nationals who persist in disregarding our immigration laws.”

All ten foreign nationals will be held at the Bureau’s detention facility in Manila, where they will remain while undergoing immigration proceedings. #