Russian Vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is presented to members of the media during a briefing at the Quezon City Reception House on April 7, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATED) — Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will not yet be deported so he could face complaints for allegedly harassing Filipinos, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Monday. 

Remulla presented Zdorovetskiy to the media at a briefing in Quezon City. The vlogger was handcuffed and escorted by two personnel from the Bureau of Immigration. 

Russian vlogger ‘smug’ even after arrest for harassing Filipinos: BI

“Hindi po namin siya ide-deport. Mananagot siya sa batas dito sa Pilipinas. Tapos na po ang mga dayuhan na akala nila kaya nilang lapastanganin ang mga Pilipino. Ito’y ehemplo na seryoso tayo sa sariling bayan natin, hindi tayo magpapabastos sa kanila,” said Remulla. 

Tagged as an “undesirable alien”, Zdorovetskiy is facing complaints for allegedly harassing security guards and stealing an industrial fan from a restaurant while livestreaming at a mall in Taguig City on March 31. 

BI: Deportation case vs Russian vlogger underway

A separate Change.org petition has also accused the vlogger of verbally assaulting a Filipino surfing instructor in Boracay with “vulgar, sexually degrading remarks” during a safety briefing.

“Wala pong pang-aapi na gagawin sa kanya. Ilalagay po siya sa regular detention facility ng Bureau of Immigration. Idadaan po sa tamang proseso ang pag-inquest at pag-charge sa kanya at kung anong kinakain ng regular na inmate ay siya ring kakainin. In other words, no special treatment. Lahat ng kanyang kaso ay sisiguraduhing matapos at ang hustisya ay maibigay sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino,” Remulla said. 

Remulla  reminded foreign and local vloggers to be more responsible in creating their content as “it is not a license to shame or to hurt anyone.” 

“A vlog, ang social media, ay may kaakibat na responsibilidad kasama sa kanilang pag-post. Babala na rin ito sa lahat. Kung gusto niyo’ng pakakitaan ang mga katarantaduhan n’yo, handa kayo dapat pagbayaran lahat ‘yon,” he said. 

Remulla said authorities were still investigating the identity of Zdorovetskiy’s cameraman, who also had direct participation in the offense committed by the vlogger. 

The Department of Tourism has expressed its support for law enforcement agencies in ensuring that Zdorovetskiy is penalized for "having mistreated Filipinos in the country." 

"Our country is well-known for its unparalleled hospitality and our propensity to provide our guests with love, warmth and the feeling of being family. Therefore, the DOT does not tolerate any form of abuse, and we fully support our law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Immigration in ensuring, that the offending tourist is able to be meted out with the concomitant penalty," DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said.

Meanwhile, Remulla encouraged Congress to “modify” existing laws concerning cybercrimes. 

“Dapat yan ang cyberlibel crime natin ay ma-modify pa. Suggest namin sa mga lawmakers ito na sa susunod na kongreso kung pwede higpitan pa nila ang batas laban dito at hindi conservative masyado ‘yong interpretation,” he added. 

Zdorovetskiy faces complaints for cybercrime, unjust vexation, and theft. 

The vlogger is detained at the BI’s custodial facility. -- with a report from Agatha Gregorio, ABS-CBN News

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