Two Israeli tourists are facing scrutiny after allegedly vandalizing a business establishment in General Luna, Surigao del Norte on Sunday, following a confrontation triggered by a pro-Palestinian flag displayed outside the shop.
According to reports, the two foreign nationals threw rocks at the store and destroyed a CCTV camera on the premises after spotting the flag. The municipal government of General Luna has condemned the incident and confirmed that an investigation is underway.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) weighed in on the episode, making clear that the conduct of a few individuals should not be attributed to Israeli tourists as a whole — while also drawing a firm line on the rights of Filipinos. “We stand in defense of Siargao’s tourism, but more than that, we stand in defense of Filipino dignity and welfare,” the agency said in a statement.
The DOT reiterated that the Philippines welcomes all tourists, but emphasized that visitors are expected to respect local people, culture, and laws without exception.
Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh had earlier called on Philippine authorities to enforce the country’s laws against misbehaving Israeli nationals, a stance that aligned with the broader government response to the incident.
