A Russian content creator who earned the ire of netizens after posting videos of himself harassing Filipinos at the Bonifacio Global City and taking an industrial fan from a restaurant while livestreaming inside a mall is now in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration pending deportation.
BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said they took custody of Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, 33, after he was arrested in Pasay City last Wednesday night by operatives of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and his men.
Manahan branded Zdorovetskiy as an undesirable foreigner over his social media posts that went viral last April 1.
In the livestream, the Russian grabbed a security guard’s hat, attempted to seize the gun of another security guard, and threatened to rob a woman.
Zdorovestkiy has more than 10 million subscribers on YouTube, where he uploads mostly prank videos.
Manahan said the Russian is detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City, while deportation proceedings are underway.
“The subject internet content creator is now trending and his video is going viral. He draws flak for allegedly harassing and insulting Filipinos in his vlogs,” said Maj. General Nicolas Torre III, CIDG chief.
Torre said the Russian’s videos “have sparked outrage due to his alleged disruptive and inappropriate behavior toward unsuspecting and friendly Filipinos.
“We have read the online outrage and we coordinated with other authorities for proper actions against the subject. We cannot just let this incident pass, your CIDG means business,” said Torre.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in its fight against all criminals and violators of law, local or foreign nationals,” said Torre.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stressed that while Filipinos are known for their hospitality, foreign visitors are expected to respect local customs and obey Philippine laws.
“The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable,” Viado said.
“Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we will take swift action against offenders,” he added.
Viado said a complaint was filed with the Southern Police District by a security guard stationed at BGC, citing harassment by Zdorovetskiy.
The BI chief said Zdorovetskiy’s arrest should serve as a warning to all foreigners that there will be consequences for those who fail to respect Philippine laws and its people.
DOT’S CALL
The Department of Tourism (DOT) called on all foreign visitors to be mindful of their conduct when they visit the Philippines, “and embrace the spirit of mutual understanding and respect” during their stay in the country.
In a statement, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said the agency “condemns any form of abusive behavior by tourists, whether it is disrespecting our local culture or violating the rights of individuals.”
Frasco issued the statement after the arrest of Zdorovetskiy.
Frasco expressed appreciation to law enforcement agencies and the BI for their swift and decisive action in arresting “a foreign individual” involved in harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
“This underscores the government’s unwavering determination in upholding our nation’s laws and ensuring public safety, in line with our shared commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every Filipino,” Frasco said.
She said foreign guests “should respect our people and our culture, and comply with our laws during their stay.
“The Philippines is renowned for its friendly and hospitable people, and this is a key part of the unique Philippine experience that we offer to travelers. It is imperative that this generosity is met with respect,” Frasco said.
