Four Israelis were arrested for allegedly working illegally on a tourist island in the Philippines.
The four men had reportedly been employed as DJs and restaurant workers in tropical destination Siargao, despite not holding valid work permits.
They were among 10 foreign nationals detained as immigration officers cracked down on ‘undesirables’ on the popular resort island, on June 26.
Footage shows Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arresting the suspects, seen wearing black suits, black hats and a white kippah, at a restaurant in tourist hub General Luna.
The BI identified the four Israelis as Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael and Aharon Ida, 22, who were found overstaying and working without the appropriate visas and permits.
Another Israeli, Abeve Tewabel, 23, was arrested for working without proper documentation and declared an undesirable alien following a previous arrest by local authorities.
While Etay Harari, 51, was arrested for working as a disc jockey without the required work permit.
Immigration chief Joel Viado said the arrests show the government’s ‘commitment to preserving the country as a safe destination for legitimate visitors’.
He added: ‘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.’
The Israelis, along with six other illegal foreigners, were held at the Bureau’s detention facility in the capital, Manila, pending deportation.
Siargao, an island in the Surigao del Norte province, has been dubbed the ‘surfing capital’ of the country for its white-sand beaches and laid-back island lifestyle.
But residents in the destination have been grappling with unruly holidaymakers, particularly Israeli tourists, in recent months.
On April 8, police intervened after American and Israeli tourists brawled at a bar inside the Siargao Beach Club.
A month later, on May 10, two Israeli tourists allegedly assaulted the owners of a local establishment over a Palestinian flag displayed on the premises.
— Viral Press via Reuters Connect