Ten foreign nationals were arrested in separate intelligence operations in Siargao Island after they were found allegedly violating Philippine immigration laws, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.
The operations were conducted on June 26, but information of their arrest were only released by the immigration bureau yesterday, June 29.
They were arrested by operatives from the BI Intelligence Division Main Office and the BI Intelligence Division Mindanao Intelligence Task Group following reports from residents and business owners, according to the agency.
Among those arrested were Israeli nationals Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael, 22, and Aharon Ida, 22, who were allegedly overstaying and working without the required visas and permits.
The BI said the two were employed at an Israeli restaurant and were managing a Jewish center despite lacking the required immigration documents.
They also failed to present their passports during the operation.
Another Israeli national, Abeve Tewabel, 23, was arrested for allegedly working without proper documents and was also tagged as an undesirable alien following a previous arrest by local authorities.
Israeli national Etay Harari, 51, was also arrested after authorities found him working as a disc jockey without the required work authorization.
Moroccan national Larbi Oirdi, 23, was also arrested and is facing immigration charges as an undesirable alien following a previous arrest for unjust vexation, direct assault, serious resistance and disobedience, among other offenses.
Australian national Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri, 34, was found to have allegedly overstayed in the Philippines for nine years while working at a hotel in Siargao without valid immigration status.
Also arrested were Nigerian national Bill James Augustine, 27, who was allegedly working as a dog trainer without the required permits, and Lithuanian national Edgar Drozdov, 39, who was found managing a resort and working as a food delivery rider without work authorization.
The operations also led to the arrest of Chinese nationals Zhu Guifu, 36, and Chen Anqi, 31, who were found at a surf resort. The BI said both had overstayed and had existing blacklist records linked to previous immigration violations.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato S. Manahan Jr. said the arrests reflected the bureau’s continued monitoring of major tourist destinations.
“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 said information provided by residents and business owners helped authorities carry out the operations.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Philippines remains open to legitimate foreign visitors but warned that immigration violators would face legal action.
“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 BI said all 10 foreign nationals were brought to its detention facility in Manila, where they will remain while undergoing immigration proceedings.
