Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been arrested for “harassing Filipinos” in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

In a statement on Thursday, April 3, BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the arrest was conducted after Zdorovetskiy was classified as an “undesirable foreign national” through BI Operations Order No. SBM-2014-048.

Zdorovetskiy, whose social media posts went viral over the past week for disrespecting Filipinos, was taken into BI custody on Wednesday, April 2. He was also seen harassing security guards and traffic personnel.

Under the BI’s mission order, acts constituting a criminal offense generally render a foreign national undesirable. 

Misdemeanors and light misconduct, however, do not fall under this category. But if a foreigner’s actions are deemed a risk to public interest and safety, they may be considered a criminal offense.

“Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we will take swift action against offenders,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

“Let this serve as a reminder that while we welcome visitors, those who fail to respect our people and our laws will face the consequences,” he added. 

Deportation 

Zdorovetskiy will face a deportation case, as per the operations order, if substantial evidence proves his undesirability. Even if the criminal complaint is dismissed, he may still be deported.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval told DZRH News on Thursday that if the Russian vlogger is deported, he will cover the expenses and be barred from reentering the country.

However, if Zdorovetskiy faces a case in the Philippines, he must go through legal proceedings and serve his sentence if convicted. The BI can only proceed with deportation after completing his sentence, including any imprisonment.