Manila: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reiterated on Thursday that the government will not tolerate abusive behavior by foreigners visiting the country. This statement follows the arrest of two foreign vloggers who gained notoriety on social media for creating content that mocked Filipinos and spread health scares.

According to Philippines News Agency, the arrest of Nikita Chekhov and Siim Roosipuu underscores the Philippine government's commitment to maintaining respect and safety within its borders. Chekhov was apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit in Quezon City after threatening to spread human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Despite these threats, Remulla confirmed that Chekhov tested negative for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Remulla emphasized the misuse of Filipinos in Chekhov's actions, stating, "Nagpapasikat lang, ginagamit (niya) ang mga Pilipino (He is just trying to be famous, using Filipinos)." The government remains firm in its stance against such behavior, with Remulla asserting that while tourism is vital to the economy, those who disrespect the country will face the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, Estonian vlogger Siim Roosipuu was arrested by BI intelligence operatives and an anti-terrorist group, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Dumaguete City Police Station and Barangay Cantil-e officials. Roosipuu's content, involving disrespectful actions towards minors, prompted this decisive action.

Both Chekhov and Roosipuu are currently in BI custody and undergoing deportation proceedings. The crackdown on foreign vloggers continues, as seen in the recent deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy on January 17. Zdorovetskiy, known for his prank videos, faced a nine-month detention in the Philippines for incidents involving harassment and theft.

Source: Philippines News Agency