Ched Rick Gatchalian

The 21-year old arrested Russian national underwent medical tests. 📷: BI

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Viral Russian national who threatened to spread HIV has no virus, only 'rage baiting': BI

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The 21-year old arrested Russian national who he went viral over a TikTok post where he said he would spread HIV in the Philippines was only &quot;rage baiting&quot; and doesn&#x27;t have the virus, the Bureau of Immigration said Thursday.</p><p>Following his arrest, the Department of Health (DOH) sent a representative to the BI Warden’s Facility, where the foreign national is currently detained, to conduct medical examinations, including HIV testing.</p><p>“Nakita po na wala naman siyang sakit itong taong ito,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/21/bi-arrests-viral-russian-national-who-said-he-will-spread-hiv-in-ph-1907">BI arrests viral Russian national who said he will spread HIV in PH</a></div><p>“It further strengthens ang ating paniniwala na yung mga pinost niya sa social media ay rage bait, kumbaga nangiinis, nagpo-post ng nakakainis na content para tumaas ang views at tumaas ang revenue niya doon sa kanyang social media page.”</p><p>Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla also condemned the foreigner’s behavior, describing it as deeply offensive to Filipinos.</p><p>“Nakikita niyo naman, hindi lang sabi niya pagkakalat niya ang kanyang sakit ng HIV, minumura pa ang lahat ng Pilipino. Ayan ang nakakapikon,” Remulla said.</p><p>“Para sa kaalaman ng lahat, nung sa kanyang pagkaaresto ay tinest siya. Negative siya sa HIV, negative sa lahat ng STD. In other words, nagpapasikat lang, ginagamit ng mga Pilipino.”</p><p>Despite the incident, Remulla emphasized that the Philippines remains welcoming to visitors, while warning that abuse of hospitality will not be tolerated.</p><p>“Minamahal natin ang turista. Ang turismo ay malaking bagay sa ating ekonomiya. Pero kung ang mga dayuhan na ito ay ginagago tayo, ay hindi natin aatrasan ito,” he said.</p><p>“Let this be an example to all the tourists. We love you all. We welcome you to the Philippines. But please do not abuse our hospitality.”</p><p>The BI has since declared the Russian national an undesirable foreign national. He will remain at the BI Warden’s Facility while deportation proceedings are being prepared.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/22/remulla-reminds-tourists-to-respect-filipinos-after-arrest-of-foreign-vloggers-1649">Remulla reminds tourists to respect Filipinos after arrest of foreign vloggers</a></div><div> </div><div><strong>&#x27;CREATE RESPONSIBLY&#x27;</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, HIV and AIDS Support House (HASH) also released a statement urging content creators to act responsibly and avoid exploiting public health fears for online engagement.</p><p>HASH Executive Director Desi Andrew Ching said the viral video highlights the need for greater accountability among vloggers and stronger public education efforts.</p><p>“In light of the alarming video involving ‘misterjakol’ in BGC, it is imperative that vloggers and online creators recognize their platform’s power and commit to more sensitive, responsible messaging that avoids weaponizing public health fears for ‘clout’,” Ching said.</p><p>“Such reckless content not only fuels dangerous stigma against people living with HIV but also undermines the Philippines’ status as a safe destination for tourism and a welcoming environment for migration.”</p><p>Ching added that the government should intensify evidence-based awareness campaigns, particularly at international ports of entry, to counter misinformation and promote responsible behavior.</p>

<p>The 21-year old arrested Russian national who he went viral over a TikTok post where he said he would spread HIV in the Philippines was only "rage baiting" and doesn't have the virus, the Bureau of Immigration said Thursday.</p>

The 21-year old arrested Russian national who he went viral over a TikTok post where he said he would spread HIV in the Philippines was only "rage baiting" and doesn't have the virus, the Bureau of Immigration said Thursday.