Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, the Russian vlogger wanted by authorities for alleged “undesirability” and disruptive behavior had been taken into custody, the immigration bureau reported Wednesday.
Zdorovetskiy’s arrest came after several people filed harassment complaints against him. He went viral after playing pranks against security guards in Bonifacio Global City.
The head of the intelligence branch of the Bureau of Investigation (BI), Fortunato Manahan Jr., claimed that the Russian national, 33, was taken into custody after he was labeled as an undesirable foreign person as a result of his social media posts that went viral.
Manahan said that in keeping with President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr.’s pledge to protect the rights and dignity of Filipinos, the government is continuing its efforts to maintain order and secure public safety, which includes Zdorovetskiy’s detention.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, meanwhile, pointed out that while Filipinos are renowned for their warmth, international guests are required to observe Philippine laws and local traditions.
“The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable,” he said.
“Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we will take swift action against offenders,” he added.
The Russian vlogger drew flak from netizens after he shared footage of himself abusing Filipinos.
One of his videos showed a woman walking in BGC whom he was persistently bothering. When the Filipina did not respond positively, he told her she had COVID-19 and called her a “liberal f*ck. In addition, he was accused of interfering with the job of the BGC security personnel by attempting to steal a cap and even attempting to take their pistol.
The arrest was conducted in coordination with the PNP Makati and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
A police blotter was reportedly filed before the Philippine National Police (PNP) Southern Police District by a security guard stationed in BGC, citing harassment. The CIDG immediately coordinated the matter with BI intelligence operatives, who effected the arrest based on a mission order issued by Viado.
Vitaly has been transferred to the BI’s detention facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, while awaiting deportation proceedings.
“Our laws exist to protect the welfare of Filipinos,” Viado stated. “Let this serve as a reminder that while we welcome visitors, those who fail to respect our people and our laws will face the consequences,” he further said.
