- 10 foreigners taken into custody in Siargao sweep
A JOINT operation by military forces and immigration officers resulted in the simultaneous apprehension of 10 foreign nationals on Friday, June 28, in Siargao Island, a popular tourist destination known for its surfing spots and vibrant nightlife.
The coordinated crackdown targeted multiple locations, focusing on foreign citizens violating Philippine immigration laws and their visa terms.
According to the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, the operation was a collaborative effort spearheaded by Joint Task Force Sinaya, JTF Diamond, and the Bureau of Immigration’s Regional Intelligence Operations Unit-Mindanao.
The breakdown of the apprehended foreign nationals included:
- Four Israeli nationals
- Two Chinese nationals
- One Moroccan national
- One Lithuanian national
- One Australian national
- One Nigerian national
Following the simultaneous raids, the suspects were transferred to the custody of the General Luna Municipal Police Station for initial booking, documentation, and processing.
Officials stated that the 10 individuals are scheduled for immediate transfer to Manila, where they will be held at the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending formal immigration and legal proceedings.
Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, said the raid was a major victory for inter-agency security efforts in the region.
“The successful conduct of the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in enforcing Philippine laws, strengthening border and immigration security, and preserving public order,” the NFEM statement read.
The Philippine Navy emphasized that it remains steadfast in supporting intelligence and law enforcement initiatives to protect national security, signaling that high-profile tourist hubs like Siargao will continue to face strict immigration oversight.
