Bernos on Siargao Tourist Violence: LGUs Must Step Up

Bernos on Siargao tourist violence: LGUs must step up

A thriving tourism industry is important, but not at the cost of the safety of the people living in these tourist attractions and destinations.Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos highlighted this notion following reports that two unidentified men assaulted the owners of a cafe displaying a pro-Palestine flag in Siargao--a tourist hotspot in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao.“Local governments must actively protect the welfare and way of life espe…

Envoy flexes military background amid reports of abuses by Israelis in Siargao

Social media posts surfaced, documenting other accounts of violence and intimidation involving Israeli tourists. MANILA – Israeli Ambassadress Dana Kursh touted her Israel Defense Forces (IDF) background in response to reports linking Israeli tourists—many of whom are IDF veterans—to harassment and disorderly conduct incidents in Siargao. In a dialogue with business owners via Zoom on May 13, Kursh said, “I was in the army, I hope that you are n…