MANILA – In what local organizers described as a historic first, around 80 people, including island natives, Filipinos from other regions, foreign residents, and tourists marched in a peaceful one-kilometer solidarity walk at Sunset Bridge in General Luna on Sept. 14. Led by an all-women team, the mobilization sought to grieve the lives lost in the ongoing Palestinian genocide and to protest what residents called the “settler colonization” of Siargao, citing the influx of Israeli military-linked visitors and plans to build a Chabad House on the island.

Read: Locals fight back against growing Zionism in Siargao

The action, organized by the Siargao Movement, was framed as both a local and global call for justice. “Standing together peacefully reminded us that even small acts of assembly and solidarity matter, and that local action can reflect hope and demand for change both across seas and here at home,” the group said in a statement.

Unease over Israeli presence

Residents have grown increasingly uneasy about the influx of Israeli tourists, many of whom are former or active members of the Israeli military. Locals fear that some may have ties to war crimes committed in Palestine.

Plans for the construction of a Chabad House, a community center affiliated with the global Chabad-Lubavitch movement, have intensified concerns. Although Chabad presents itself as a religious and cultural hub for Jews abroad, residents warn it could in reality serve as a haven for Israeli soldiers tied to the atrocities of Israel on Palestine conflict, bringing the violence closer to home.

“Living in Siargao, we feel the impact of every change and development on the island,” Siargao Movement said. “Plans for a Chabad House have added to our unease, as it could serve as a refuge for soldiers involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict.”

The group launched a petition opposing the Chabad House, citing zoning issues, lack of community consultation, risks to local culture, and the potential escalation of tensions in the region. The petition said that Siargao residents, as custodians of the island, must have a say in developments that affect their community.

Protest despite LGU refusal

Organizers initially sought formal support from the local government unit (LGU) but the request was denied on grounds of neutrality. Despite this, the walk proceeded peacefully, with participants asserting their constitutional right to free assembly and expression.

Residents marked the end of their solidarity walk with watermelons and song — a peaceful, cultural gesture linking Siargao’s resistance to the global call for Palestine. (Photo from Siargao Movement)

The walk was carried out in quiet solidarity, expressed through presence and community. At its conclusion, participants shared watermelons which they also emphasized as a global symbol of support for Palestine and sang together as a cultural gesture of peace and resistance.

A call across seas

The event took place just days before the United Nations formally declared genocide in Palestinian territories, adding weight to the Siargao residents’ call.

“We’re at a crucial time to stand for humanity,” organizers said. “Carrying our grief for the lives lost in the ongoing Palestinian genocide, and peacefully expressing our concern for the future of our lives here, we came together for this solidarity walk.” (DAA)

Residents are calling on broader support to stop the construction of the Chabad House in General Luna. The full petition, “No to Chabad House in Siargao,” can be found here: https://siargao-chabad.ph/en/