Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested a Russian vlogger who went viral on social media for harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. reported the arrest of Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, 33, after he was tagged as an undesirable foreign national following his viral social media posts.
Manahan said that while Filipinos are known for their hospitality, foreign visitors are expected to respect local customs and obey Philippine laws.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable, adding that harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and swift action will always be against offenders.
Vitaly drew the ire of netizens after he posted videos of himself harassing Filipinos while filming around BGC.
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.
