Bernos on Siargao tourist violence: LGUs must step up
Published May 17, 2026 01:25 pm
At A Glance
- Rep. Ching Bernos stresses that local governments must protect communities after two Israeli nationals reportedly assaulted a Siargao café displaying a pro-Palestine flag.
- She urges LGUs to implement tourism plans that safeguard indigenous communities, preserve heritage sites, and maintain peace and order.
- Bernos asks visitors to respect local practices and act with kindness, while the Department of Tourism defends the café owners affected by the incident.
Siargao (Unsplash)
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 especially of indigenous communities in the face of tourist abuse,” Bernos said on Sunday, May 17.
The lady lawmaker cited the mounting complaints on the rowdy and violent behavior of tourists in the country.
In Siargao in particular, reports said that two Israeli nationals who saw the flag threw rocks at the shop and destroyed a closed-circuit television camera installed in the area.
“We must ensure that the welfare of our communities is always upheld and the rights and practices of the locals are respected,” said Bernos, a vice chairperson of the House Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples.
She highlighted the need for local government units (LGUs) to implement tourism plans that preserve the sanctity of local tourism and heritage sites and peace and order in communities.
“Kaya’t napakahalaga na may plano tayo kung paano natin maisusulong ang responsableng turismo (This is why it's very important to have a plan for responsible tourism).
"We have to keep in mind the absorptive capacity of our localities, and set aside resources for police, health workers, and other concerns,” she underscored.
Bernos also called on authorities to thoroughly investigate the case of assault in Siargao, along with other incidents of abuse conducted by tourists.
She also appealed to tourists to respect the communities and people they visit.
“We welcome all citizens of the world to our lovely country. But I appeal to our visitors—please respect our way of life and act with kindness towards our people. Spread love and joy so that you can have a much more meaningful stay here,” the Ilocano said.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has defended the owners of the vandalized Siargao cafe.