Two foreign vloggers arrested over online harassment, threats

Two foreign vloggers—an Estonian and a Russian national—have been arrested in separate operations for alleged violations involving harassment and threats against Filipinos, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla presented the suspects to the media, stressing that their arrests should serve as a warning to foreign visitors who abuse Filipino hospitality.

“Let this be an example to all the tourists. We love you all. We welcome you to the Philippines, but please do not abuse our hospitality,” Remulla said.

The Estonian vlogger was identified as Siim Roosipuu, 34, while the Russian national was identified as Nikita Chekhov, 21. Remulla said both individuals will be brought before the courts and formally charged.

Roosipuu was arrested in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, following complaints from local officials and residents.

He is facing charges for violation of the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 (Republic Act 9995) in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10175).

Remulla said Roosipuu had overstayed in the Philippines for several weeks, noting that his last visa extension was valid only until January 1, 2026.

Local officials in Dumaguete City had earlier declared him persona non grata due to complaints of “harassment, unauthorized filming, offensive remarks, and online content that demeaned Filipinos.”

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said the Dumaguete City Council’s resolution was endorsed to national agencies, prompting enforcement action and Roosipuu’s arrest on January 15.

Roosipuu operates a YouTube channel called “Pro Life Traveler,” which authorities said contained videos showing harassment, including footage of him chasing and asking inappropriate questions to underage women.

Chekhov, meanwhile, was arrested inside a condominium building in Quezon City shortly after arriving in the Philippines on January 15.

A native of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, Russia, he arrived from Shanghai, China and has no known relatives in the country, according to the BI.

Authorities said Chekhov uploaded videos filmed at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City in which he claimed he intended to deliberately spread HIV while staying in the Philippines. The videos sparked widespread concern among residents and online users.

Remulla clarified that Chekhov was tested following his arrest and was found negative for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

“Nagpapasikat lang at ginagamit ang mga Pilipino,” Remulla said.

“Minamahal natin ang turista. Ang turismo ay malaking bagay sa ating ekonomiya, pero kung ang mga dayuhan na ’to ay ginagago tayo ay hindi natin aatrasan ito. Bibigyan natin ng buong bigat ng batas para maramdaman nila na kung maganda ang Pilipinas sa pag-iikot, sila ay mas magagandahan pag nasa loob na ng preso,” he added.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrests echo previous cases involving foreign vloggers who used the Philippines for shock content and online attention. He cited the deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy as a similar incident.

“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.”

Viado said the arrests were in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that foreign nationals who violate Philippine laws face appropriate sanctions.

“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,” he said.