SIARGAO — Philippine police and immigration authorities raided a Chabad center on Siargao on Friday night, June 26, 2026, arresting several foreign nationals, including Israelis. The Bureau of Immigration and local police stated the operation was the first wave of an initiative targeting foreign nationals staying in the country illegally.

Authorities involved in the operation published images of detainees holding signs stating reasons for their detention, which included "undesirable foreign national," "overstaying, blacklisted," and "expired employment visa and work permit." Melody Gonzales, deputy head of the Bureau of Immigration's Intelligence division on Mindanao, identified Ben Yeshaya Menachem Mendel Rafael and Aharon Eida, both 22, as having allegedly overstayed their visas and worked without appropriate documentation. Authorities stated that Rafael and Eida worked at an Israeli restaurant and operated a Jewish center. During the operation, Rafael and Eida were unable to present their passports.

Authorities also arrested Itai Harari, 51, who was allegedly working as a DJ without a required work permit. Ababa Twabel, 23, was arrested on suspicion of working without documentation and had previously been designated an undesirable foreign national. The detainees also included two Chinese nationals, an Australian hotel employee suspected of remaining in the Philippines illegally for nine years, a Lithuanian, a Moroccan, and a Nigerian.

An Israeli mother present during the raid stated that dozens of armed police officers entered the Chabad compound during Friday night services. She said, "We were in a place where dozens of Israelis had gathered for kiddush and a Shabbat meal. Just before kiddush, a very large number of police officers and soldiers suddenly entered with their weapons drawn, while we were sitting there with the children. It felt as though they were raiding some kind of terrorist target." She added, "They sealed off the entire area, with machine guns and other weapons. They told everyone to sit quietly, not to move and not to speak. A few minutes later, immigration investigators also entered." The mother stated that her husband was separated from her and their children during the incident.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated, "The Philippines remains a welcoming destination for legitimate tourists, investors and foreign visitors." Viado added, "The bureau maintains a strong presence not only in Siargao but also in other major tourist destinations throughout the country, and our intelligence operations will continue." He also noted, "But hospitality must not be mistaken for tolerance toward those who choose to violate our laws. Anyone who abuses the privilege of remaining in our country must face the consequences."

Detained foreign nationals were held temporarily at a police station pending transfer to a detention facility in Manila. The Bureau of Immigration prepared charges and continued deportation proceedings against the detainees. Philippine authorities stated the operation was an enforcement action based on intelligence and resident complaints, and that it had nothing to do with religion or politics.