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| There are concerns that the increasing violence could affect the island's tourist appeal (File photo: AFP) |
While news of an attack on Israeli tourists at a restaurant in Siargao made national headlines, it was not the first such incident to occur on the southern Philippine island in recent months.
This time, however, the news went viral and a large number of Filipino influencers called for a crackdown on Israeli tourists to stop the abuse.
On May 11, two Israeli tourists were accused of assaulting the owners of Cartoon Resto Cafe in Siargao, allegedly because the cafe was displaying a Palestinian flag. The cafe owners did not make any statement, but other businessmen provided details of the incident to the media.
Siargao resident and restaurant owner Eli Rasa told Arab News that "the Israelis forced their way in, broke the CCTV camera, damaged the equipment inside the cafe, and injured the owners.
They captured a hidden camera video, which was handed over to the police. After being injured, they went to the hospital, filed a report, but the police were unable to apprehend the suspects."
Siargao is a popular surfing destination in the Philippines, attracting both local and international tourists year-round for its coastline and lagoons. There are concerns that the increasing incidents of violence could affect the island's tourist appeal.
According to Rasa, "people are now saying they are thinking of postponing their trip because they have heard that Israeli tourists are behaving rudely and violently there.
This should not be a feature of Siargao. We are very concerned." Following the incident at Cartoon Resto Cafe, more businessmen have come forward describing incidents of abuse and threats by Israeli tourists.
“These are not isolated incidents, a pattern is emerging,” said attorney Regal Oliva. “The complaints from locals in Siargao include: verbal abuse, complacency, irresponsible behavior, and blatant violations of community norms.”
“Their video statement, which has been viewed more than 3.5 million times, accuses Israeli tourists of calling locals “servants or slaves,” driving dangerously in quiet neighborhoods, damaging rental homes, violating curfews, and ignoring laws.”
He explained that this behavior is not against Jews, but to uphold Philippine laws. “Those who harass, are rude, try to break the system, must be severely stopped.”
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| Mathilda Airlines said: “We are welcoming, but we must enforce laws that protect the dignity of our local people.” (File photo: AFP) |
He explained that this behavior is not against Jews, but to uphold Philippine laws. “Those who harass, are rude, try to break the system, must be severely stopped.”
“Other Filipino influencers have also called on local authorities to take more decisive measures to protect their community.”
Mathilda Airlines said: “We are welcoming, but we must enforce laws that protect the dignity of our local people, who are the backbone of Siargao’s tourism. Illegal squatters have no right here.”
“Stop acting like you own the land,” he told the Israeli tourists.
“Stop treating the locals like slaves and enforce curfews and environmental protection laws.”
“The issue gained national attention last May when locals opposed the opening of a Chabad house (Jewish community center) under an Israeli project. Since then, business people have started sharing their experiences.
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