Tourists assault Siargao shop

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday defended business owners on Siargao Island in General Luna, Surigao del Norte following an attack on one of the shops by two tourists over the weekend.

Reports said that two Israeli nationals assaulted owners of a business establishment after seeing a pro-Palestinian flag hanging outside the shop on Sunday.

The foreigners allegedly threw rocks at the shop and destroyed a closed-circuit television camera installed in the area.

“We stand in defense of Siargao’s tourism, but more than that, we stand in defense of Filipino dignity and welfare,” the DOT said in a statement.

The municipal government of General Luna has condemned the incident and assured residents and visitors that an investigation is ongoing.

Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh earlier urged the government to enforce Philippine laws on misbehaving Israeli tourists in the country.

The tourism department said the action of some people should not reflect on all Israeli visitors.

While all tourists are welcome in the Philippines, they must also respect the country’s people, culture and laws, the DOT said.