Foreign Vloggers Face Legal Action for Abusing Filipino Hospitality
Two foreign vloggers were presented to the media on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after their arrests for separate incidents involving harassment and threats against Filipinos. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla made the announcement, emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated in the Philippines.
Estonian Vlogger Charged with Harassment and Voyeurism
The Estonian national, identified as Siim Roosipuu, 34, was arrested in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. He faces charges under the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Roosipuu had overstayed his visa, which expired on January 1, 2026, and was declared persona non grata by local officials due to complaints of:
- Harassment of residents
- Unauthorized filming in public areas
- Offensive remarks targeting Filipinos
- Online content that demeaned local culture
His YouTube channel, "Pro Life Traveler," featured videos showing him chasing and asking inappropriate questions to underage women. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) acted on a resolution from the Dumaguete City Council, leading to his arrest on January 15, 2026.
Russian Vlogger Nabbed for HIV Threat in Quezon City
The Russian national, Nikita Chekhov, 21, was arrested shortly after arriving in the Philippines on January 15, 2026. He was taken into custody inside a condominium building in Quezon City. Chekhov, a native of Taganrog, Russia, had uploaded videos filmed in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City, where he threatened to deliberately spread HIV during his stay.
His videos sparked widespread concern and fear among residents and online users. However, Secretary Remulla clarified that Chekhov tested negative for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases after his arrest, stating that he was "just showing off and using the Filipinos."
Government Issues Stern Warning to Foreign Tourists
Secretary Remulla warned that the arrests should serve as an example to all tourists who might consider abusing Filipino hospitality. "We love tourists. Tourism is a big part of our economy, but if these foreigners try to take advantage of us, we will not back down," he said. "We will apply the full weight of the law so they feel that while the Philippines may be beautiful to visit, it will be even harsher once they are behind bars."
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado compared the cases to the deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, calling it a repeat pattern of foreign vloggers exploiting the Philippines for shock content and online fame. He stressed that the arrests align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to sanction foreign nationals who violate Philippine laws.
"This is another Vitaly case — different person, same behavior," Viado said. "A foreign vlogger comes here, disrespects Filipinos, violates our laws, and thinks he can hide behind a camera and a social media following. That ends here."
He emphasized that the Philippines will no longer tolerate foreign content creators who harass locals or provoke public outrage for viral content. "The Philippines is not a content playground... We welcome tourists and legitimate creators, but anyone who exploits our people for views, clicks, or profit will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting," Viado concluded.
