Siargao café attack: LGU accused of inaction vs. Israeli suspects

The cafe displayed a “Free Gaza, Free Palestine” poster.

The local government of General Luna, Siargao, is facing criticism for alleged poor response and lack of action toward Israeli tourists accused of attacking a local cafe for its pro-Palestine sentiment.

Citing local accounts, Siargao Secrets—which posts content about the island—said the tourists allegedly destroyed the café’s CCTV cameras, threw rocks at it, and physically assaulted its owners on May 11 at around 4 a.m.

Photos showed a toppled motorcycle, a dismantled glass door, and a ransacked interior. A wall displayed a “Free Gaza, Free Palestine” poster alongside the Palestinian flag.

One co-owner was seen holding a cold compress to her face after reportedly being assaulted along with her husband.

Police and emergency responders reportedly arrived after two to three hours, though it remains unclear whether the delay was due to late reporting or other factors.

Hours later, the General Luna Municipal Police Station didn’t directly talk about the issue, though it wrote a post saying it “remains committed in its mandate to enforce the law and uphold peace in our communities.”

Town hall with Israeli ambassador 

The LGU, meanwhile, held a town hall with Israeli ambassador Dana Kursh. No recording is publicly available, but a press release on May 13 quoted Kursh as saying, “If they are misbehaving, arrest them and press charges.”

Without being specific, she added that “any misbehavior” should be dealt with “under Philippine law and proper legal processes”—in light of “local traditions, cultural heritage, and community standards.”

In a separate statement on May 12, the LGU said it “strongly” condemned the “recent act of violence and lawlessness.” It noted that the local police “are conducting an ongoing investigation” and urged the locals to “share information, submit evidence, and remain vigilant.”

But many concerned netizens criticized officials for issuing statements without visible action.

Kursh absent from follow-up meeting

Kursh allegedly didn’t show up during a follow-up town hall with local business owners and tour operators.

In a series of Instagram Stories on May 13, local entrepreneur Jay Sueno said the ambassador “decided not to show up and never gave notice to the town hall.”

“People are upset and feel disrespected,” Sueno said. “They hurt our women, Lumad. And they don’t have the decency to face our community? The lady Lumad has black eyes.”

Sueno said they want the following: “safety for our family and kids, to hold accountable the bad actors, to find solutions to the challenges, and to create beautiful spaces and experiences.”

Not an invitation to disrespect

The Department of Tourism, without directly referencing the incident, said Filipino hospitality is “not an invitation to disrespect our people, our culture, or our laws.”

“Every tourist is welcome in the Philippines, so long as they come with respect. When it comes to the law, no one gets special treatment. Local or foreign, the standard is the same,” the DOT said in a statement on May 14. “We stand in defense of Siargao’s tourism, but more than that, we stand in defense of Filipino dignity and welfare.”

It warned against generalizations and, without being specific, noted that “the actions of a few do not speak for the many.”

The DOT urged the public to report “any form of violence to the authorities without delay” and submit evidence that may help expedite the investigation.

 

 

Geopolitics strikes the shores of Siargao. Netizens and residents slam local officials for inaction after Israeli tourists allegedly vandalized a pro-Palestine café and assaulted its owners.