BI arrests Estonian vlogger; Philippine immigration draws line after repeat “Vitaly-style” stunts

Dumaguete City— The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested and moved to deport an Estonian vlogger, declaring that the Philippines will no longer tolerate foreign content creators who harass locals, provoke public outrage, and turn Filipino communities into viral spectacle.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the case echoes the infamous deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, calling it a repeat pattern of foreign vloggers abusing the country’s openness for shock content and online fame. The arrest, according to Viado, is in line with President Ferdinand ‘Bong Bong’ Marcos, Jr.’s directive to ensure that foreign nationals who fail to follow Philippine laws face appropriate sanctions.

“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 stressed firmly.

Viado said authorities acted after local officials in Negros Oriental declared the vlogger persona non grata, citing complaints of harassment, unauthorized filming, offensive remarks, and online content that demeaned Filipinos. The city council resolution was endorsed to national agencies, triggering enforcement action and the foreigner’s arrest.

The Estonian vlogger, identified as Siim Roosipuu, 34, was arrested by BI intelligence operatives and anti-terrorist group on January 15, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Dumaguete City Police Station and Barangay Cantil-e officials.

Roosipuu ran a YouTube channel called ‘Pro Life Traveler’, and allegedly harasses Filipinos, including minors. Videos of him chasing and asking inappropriate questions to underage women circulated on social media.

“The Philippines is not a content playground,” Viado said. “We welcome tourists and legitimate creators, but anyone who exploits our people for views, clicks, or profit will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting,” he stated.

The BI stressed that harassment, public disturbance, and disrespect — whether done for entertainment or monetized online — are serious violations that will not be excused under the guise of vlogging.

Viado warned that foreign nationals who test the limits of Philippine hospitality should expect consequences.

“If you come here to provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos, your stay will be short and your exit will be permanent,” said Viado. #