Days after the deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy on January 17, 2026, another foreign content creator has been arrested by Philippine authorities over allegations of harassment and demeaning behavior toward Filipinos.
The Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines identified the foreign national as Siim Roosipuu, 34, an Estonian vlogger who operates a YouTube channel called Pro Life Traveler. He was arrested on January 15 by BI intelligence operatives and members of an anti-terrorist group, in coordination with the Philippine National Police.
Immigration officials said deportation proceedings have already been initiated against Roosipuu following complaints of harassment, unauthorized filming, offensive remarks, and online content that allegedly demeaned Filipinos. Authorities said some of the complaints involved minors.
According to the BI, enforcement action was triggered after local officials in Negros Oriental declared Roosipuu persona non grata. The city council resolution was endorsed to national government agencies, prompting immigration authorities to act.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency will not tolerate foreigners who exploit Filipinos for online content, stressing that visitors are welcome only if they respect local laws and communities.
Viado said the case mirrors the earlier deportation of Zdorovetskiy, who was arrested after livestreaming acts that authorities said harassed Filipinos in Taguig City and was later charged with multiple counts of unjust vexation.
“The Philippines is not a content playground,” Viado said, warning that foreigners who provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos for views or profit will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting.
The BI reiterated that it supports tourism and legitimate content creation but will take swift action against foreign nationals whose activities violate Philippine laws or undermine the dignity of Filipinos.
