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The iconic surfing boardwalk of the island paradise of Siargao.
Billy Palatino via Wikimedia Commons CC-SA 4.0
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration has arrested 10 foreign nationals in Siargao for alleged immigration violations, including overstaying and working without proper permits.
In a statement on Monday, June 29, the bureau said the arrests were made during an operation on June 26.
Among those arrested were four Israeli nationals allegedly involved in local commercial activities without proper documentation.
Melody Gonzales, the bureau's Intelligence Division-Mindanao deputy chief, identified two of them as Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael and Aharon Ida, both 22.
Gonzales said the two had overstayed their visas while working at an Israeli restaurant and managing a Jewish center. They also failed to present their passports during the operation.
Another Israeli national, Abeve Tewabel, 23, was arrested for allegedly working without proper documents. Immigration officials said he had been tagged as an undesirable alien after a previous arrest by local authorities.
Etay Harari, 51, also an Israeli national, was arrested for allegedly working as a disc jockey without the required labor and immigration permits.
Other foreigners arrested
Australian national Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri, 34, was also arrested after immigration authorities found that she had allegedly overstayed in the Philippines for nine years while working at a Siargao hotel.
The BI also arrested several other foreign nationals for alleged unauthorized employment and immigration violations.
Edgar Drozdov, 39, a Lithuanian national, was allegedly found managing a resort and working as a food delivery rider without the required permits.
Bill James Augustine, 27, a Nigerian national, was arrested for allegedly working illegally as a dog trainer.
Larbi Oirdi, 23, a Moroccan national, was arrested as an undesirable alien in connection with previous local charges, including unjust vexation, direct assault, and serious resistance and disobedience.
Chinese nationals Zhu Guifu, 36, and Chen Anqi, 31, were found at a surf resort. The BI said both had allegedly overstayed and had existing blacklist records from previous immigration offenses.
The 10 foreign nationals are being transferred to the BI's detention facility in Manila, where they will remain while facing deportation and immigration proceedings.
