Metro Manila, Philippines – The government has arrested two foreign vloggers for separate incidents, which include supposed harassment and threats to spread human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the country.
In a media briefing on Thursday, Jan. 22, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla presented the 21-year-old Russian, Nikita Chekhov, who filmed a video in Taguig City claiming that he will spread HIV while he’s in the country.
The Bureau of Immigration said Chekhov arrived on January 15 using a tourist visa, coming from Shanghai, China. Authorities said he has no known relatives in the country.
Remulla said the Russian national tested negative for HIV.
“Negative po sya sa HIV, negative po sa lahat ng STD. In other words, nagpapasikat lang, ginagamit ang mga Pilipino,” he said.
[Translation: He’s negative for HIV and all sexually transmitted diseases. In other words, he’s just showing off to Filipinos.]
Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado also condemned the incident, saying “these so-called rage-bait videos irresponsibly cause fear and panic among the public.”
The agency said they have coordinated Chekhov’s statement with the Department of Health.
Meanwhile, Remulla also presented Estonian vlogger Siim Roosipuu who was arrested for supposedly harassing Filipinos.
In one of his videos, Roosipuu likened Filipinos to monkeys while roaming in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
Chekhov and Roosipuu are under immigration custody while facing deportation proceedings, the DILG said.
Their arrest came days after the government deported Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy for harassment-related offenses in Taguig.
“Katulad ng nangyari kay Vitaly [like what happened to Vitaly], 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,” said Remulla.
