Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested 10 foreign nationals during a series of intelligence-driven operations across Siargao Island on 26 June.

The sweeps were conducted by operatives from the bureau’s main intelligence division and its Mindanao task group. The raids followed complaints from residents and local business owners regarding foreign nationals allegedly working and staying in the country illegally.

Among those taken into custody were Israeli nationals Ben Yeshaya Menahem Mendel Rafael and Aharon Ida.

Authorities said both had overstayed their visas and were working without permits at an Israeli restaurant and managing a Jewish center. Neither could present a passport during the operation.

Agents also arrested Abeve Tewabel, an Israeli national accused of working without documentation and previously classified as an undesirable alien following a prior arrest by local police.

Another Israeli, Etay Harari, was apprehended for working as a disc jockey without authorization.

The operations also led to the arrest of Australian national Lauren Elizabeth Fornazieri. Investigators found that Fornazieri had overstayed in the Philippines for nine years while working at a local hotel.

Also taken into custody was Moroccan national Larbi Oirdi, who was classified as an undesirable alien due to prior local arrests for criminal offenses, including direct assault and serious disobedience.

Nigerian national Bill James Augustine was apprehended for allegedly working illegally as a dog trainer, while Lithuanian national Edgar Drozdov was found managing a resort and working as a food delivery rider without the required permits.

The sweeps concluded with the arrest of Chinese nationals Zhu Guifu and Chen Anqi, who were located at a surf resort.

Immigration authorities found that both had overstayed their visas and possessed existing blacklist records from previous immigration violations.

All 10 individuals will be transferred to the BI’s detention facility in Manila while they undergo formal deportation proceedings.