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

[Rooster]

Prudent to vlog 5 days ago that you are working "in Siargao" as an Ice Cream Vendor like this Foreigner does when BI is on the hunt for Foreigners working/overstaying in Siargao?  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQTVo8wXYhA

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

June 29, 2026

SIARGAO, Philippines — 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.

https://immigration.gov.ph/bi-cracks-down-on-illegal-aliens-in-siargao-10-foreigners-arrested/

Viado: Foreign lawbreakers face deportation as BI steps up on Siargao enforcement

June 30, 2026

MANILA, Philippines–Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Viado said the recent arrest of ten foreign nationals in Siargao island underscores the government’s commitment to protecting communities while preserving the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for legitimate visitors.

“The Philippines remains open to tourists, investors, students, and foreign residents who respect our laws and our people. However, foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality by violating our immigration laws or engaging in unlawful activities should expect to face the full force of the law,” Viado said.

“Bukas ang bansa sa mga dayuhang sumusunod sa batas, ngunit ang mga lalabag at aabuso sa ating mabuting pagtanggap ay haharap sa deportation, blacklisting, at iba pang kaukulang aksyon ng pamahalaan,” Viado added.

The Commissioner said the operation forms part of the Bureau’s continuing efforts to strengthen its immigration presence in Siargao island following his recent dialogue with local government officials.

He said the BI has intensified independent immigration enforcement operations, expanded coordination with LGUs and law enforcement agencies, enhanced intelligence sharing, and rolled out immigration law enforcement and capacity-building programs for local government partners to improve the detection and reporting of immigration violations.

“These successful BI operations demonstrate that stronger coordination between the Bureau, LGUs, and our law enforcement partners produces concrete results. We will continue conducting intelligence-driven immigration operations to ensure that our tourist destinations remain safe, orderly, and welcoming for responsible visitors,” Viado said.

Viado emphasized that BI enforcement is based solely on violations of law and not on nationality, race, or religion.

He also thanked local government units, law enforcement agencies, tourism stakeholders, business establishments, and members of the community for their continued cooperation and vigilance.

“Protecting our communities and preserving the reputation of our tourist destinations is a shared responsibility. We value the active partnership of our LGUs, the private sector, tourism stakeholders, and the public in helping identify immigration violations and ensuring that our laws are faithfully enforced,” he said.

Viado said the Bureau will continue strengthening its partnerships with local stakeholders through sustained coordination, information sharing, joint operations, and immigration law enforcement training to build a more responsive and community-based enforcement network.

“Hindi lang trabaho ng Bureau of Immigration ang pangalagaan ang ating mga komunidad. Kapag nagkakaisa ang pambansang pamahalaan, mga LGU, law enforcement, pribadong sektor, at mismong mamamayan, mas nagiging epektibo ang pagpapatupad ng batas at mas napapanatili nating ligtas, maayos, at kaaya-aya ang Pilipinas para sa lahat,” Viado concluded.

https://immigration.gov.ph/viado-foreign-lawbreakers-face-deportation-as-bi-steps-up-on-siargao-enforcement/

 

Edited 7 hours ago by Rooster

[scott h]

I wonder if the Philippines is the Israeli Canada? 3 out of 4 Israeli's are of military age.

[Possum]

11 minutes ago, scott h said:

I wonder if the Philippines is the Israeli Canada? 3 out of 4 Israeli's are of military age.

and Cambodia/ Thailand are Russia's Canada

[JJReyes]

46 minutes ago, scott h said:

I wonder if the Philippines is the Israeli Canada? 3 out of 4 Israeli's are of military age.

The Israeli's detained by immigration could be avoiding military service due to the ongoing conflict with their neighbors.  I also heard there are small pockets of Ukrainian and Russian male nationals living in the Philippines after fleeing from the ongoing conflict.  There is also a Russian Village somewhere in an island close to Mindanao with children attending a rural public school.  

The Philippines is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention.  The country is hosting over 1,000 registered refugees and those who have pending asylum cases.  The latest arrival are Rohinga refugees from Myanmar.  The group is sponsored by a Catholic charity.  I watched several clips by a vlogger, "The Hungry Syrian Wanderer" whose family moved to the Philippines and eventually applied for Philippine citizenship.  Basil became wealthy after opening several retro restaurants and Korean groceries.  He is also a very popular vlogger.

[JJReyes]

58 minutes ago, Possum said:

and Cambodia/ Thailand are Russia's Canada

When Russia invaded Ukraine February 2022, many Russians on holiday in Thailand got stuck.  The wholesale travel agencies who arranged their vacation packages disappeared overnight.  They couldn't use credit cards issued by home banks due to the financial embargo.  The Thai authorities did not know what to do.  I believe the local authorities granted them temporary refugee status.  There was a similar arrangement for Russians stuck in Bali, Indonesia.

[Possum]

53 minutes ago, JJReyes said:

When Russia invaded Ukraine February 2022, many Russians on holiday in Thailand got stuck. 

They must have invited their countrymen to join them as there are a LOT in the two countries now.Wonder why they needed refugee status Ukraine didn't attack Russia back then? They've had plenty of time to get return tickets.

Edited 5 hours ago by Possum

[JJReyes]

1 hour ago, Possum said:

They must have invited their countrymen to join them as there are a LOT in the two countries now.Wonder why they needed refugee status Ukraine didn't attack Russia back then? They've had plenty of time to get return tickets.

The holiday package wholesalers often use chartered planes, and they disappeared after the start of the war.  The immediate global financial embargo against Russian banks meant the credit cards they issued no longer worked.  Without access to their funds, families could not purchase tickets on commercial flights nor pay for expenses.  Eventually, this issue was resolved.  

The Russian refugees refer to the group of some 500,000 who fled after the "partial mobilization" by Putin.  There are speculations that a full mobilization might happen during the coming Fall that will cause a similar exodus of draft age men.