Brutkey

Maddad ☑☑️
@maddad@mastodon.world

Over the past year, a noticeable wave of Israeli travelers has arrived on Siargao Island. While there have long been Israeli visitors—even before the recent war—there is a new influx of younger ones, many coming directly from military service, including deployments in warzones like Gaza. But their presence, often marked by aggressive behavior, loud partying, and disregard for local customs has begun to unsettle the community.

#israelis the new #americans 😡😡

@jikomayo@mastodon.world

https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/07/27/locals-fight-back-against-growing-zionism-in-siargao/

The behavior that follows, Maria said, has crossed many lines. She and other residents have experienced multiple disturbing encounters. “Early in the morning, they make loud noises—I even had to stop them on the road. Even when you ask them nicely to slow down, mas magpaspas sila—they drive even faster, as if on purpose. It feels intentional, like they're showing they don’t have to follow our rules,” she recounted. Online and in community circles, Siargaonons have also shared troubling stories: some Israeli tourists have been caught tampering with Airbnbs, trespassing, defecating in refrigerators, leaving resorts trashed, and walking out without paying. Others reportedly leave bad reviews on small, locally owned businesses —hurting livelihoods out of spite. Some locals remain silent, worn down by fear or fatigue. But Maria refuses to be quiet. “They should be aware that even a simple verbal abuse is a threat. Calling locals ‘slaves’—calling staff ‘slaves’—that needs more awareness,” she said. Neighboring islands started to come and slowly unite as seen the same patterns on other tourist islands, even sent protest stickers to Maria and her group to take action and in support for solidarity. (Photos sent by residents of Malapascua Island)” As Maria explained, “We are not equipped to handle cases and be involved in those behaviors.” She emphasized the need to speak out about the harassment and the unsettling presence of Israeli tourists. “Siargao is a peaceful place — we already have a rich culture, they are making us scared,” she said. As Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares for his fourth State of the Nation Address, promising “progress” and “unity,” many in Siargao are left wondering whether those promises include them. “ hope he listens and | hope he hears us,” Maria said. “I don’t know if he even knows about it. If he really is advocating progress and unity, then make us feel that.” Maria vowed that they will not be passive in the face of intimidation, that they will not allow their island to become a playground of Israeli soldiers at the cost of its people. They are calling on fellow Filipinos to stand with them —not out of pity, but out of shared principle. Because what is happening in Siargao is not an isolated incident; it is part of a larger story of communities across the world defending themselves from being overwritten. “We should be heard,” Maria says.Like the brave people of Gaza who continue to hold on to their identity under siege, the Siargaonons are teaching us that hope is not something we wait for—it is something we build together. In the spirit of paglig-on, as Maria said—to resist, to be strong—they are standing firm. (AMU, RVO)