Residents of General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte demand justice and accountability after a series of crimes and violence against them by Israeli soldiers infesting the island. They gathered in a meeting with local officials, police, business owners and other sectors on May 12 to discuss the successive incidents of violence, disturbances and rudeness by Israeli soldiers on the island.

Latest, and worst, was the attack by a group of Israelis on Cartoon Cafe in General Luna on May 11. Reports state soldiers targeted the establishment after spotting a Palestine flag hanging outside the cafe. Soldiers destroyed the CCTV cameras and physically beat the business owner couple, in the presence of their young child. These soldiers are reported as “fresh” or just out of “service” in the genocidal war their Zionist state wages against Palestine.

The cafe owner couple attended the meeting, still showing marks of the attack including a black eye on the wife and facial swelling. They said it took 2-3 hours before an ambulance arrived at their place.

Residents grew more furious at Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh’s failure to attend, despite reports saying she called for the said meeting. Not even bothering to notify them she could not attend is utter rudeness to them.

The brutal attack on Cartoon Cafe is just the latest in the long list of abuses, rudeness and disruption by Israelis. Complaints have increased in Siargao since 2025 about the bad behavior of Israelis who act like they own the island. Reported incidents include calling and treating residents as slaves, stone-throwing, verbal abuse, excessive noise and indecent public behavior. They also face complaints for lack of respect for local culture and not paying for services they use.

Community leaders like Maria Tokong already warned about the “militaristic” attitude of Israelis last year, many coming from military service. They strongly opposed plans to build an Israeli Cultural Center on the island.

Residents demand appropriate punishment for the foreign soldiers, and their expulsion from the island, if not from the Philippines. They also demand proper compensation for the damages, and for the local government to prioritize the safety of Filipinos and their indigenous communities, not foreign tourists.