A MALE Russian vlogger who went viral on social media for harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) was arrested by operatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) intelligence division.
BI intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr. said Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, 33, was tagged as an undesirable foreign national following his viral social media posts, noting that while Filipinos are known for their hospitality, foreign visitors are expected to respect local customs and obey Philippine laws.
Vitaly drew the ire of netizens after he posted videos of himself harassing Filipinos while filming around BGC.
His arrest was conducted in coordination with the PNP Makati and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Manahan said a police blotter was 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.
According to Manahan, Vitaly has been transferred to the BI’s detention facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, while awaiting deportation proceedings.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse the country’s 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.
