Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will face charges in the Philippines after being arrested in Pasay City for causing disruptive activities and harassing Filipinos for content.
Photo: Department of the Interior and Local Government/Facebook
In a press conference, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that Vitaly would not be deported.
“Hindi po namin siya ide-deport. Mananagot siya sa batas dito sa Pilipinas (We will not deport him. He will be held accountable under the law here in the Philippines),” he said.
“Isang babala ito sa lahat na hindi lang Pilipino, hindi lang dayuhan, lahat ng tao ay ginagalang. Hindi natin ginagamait pangkatatawanan [at] pagkakitaan (This is a warning to everyone—not just Filipinos, not just foreigners—all people deserve respect. We do not use others as objects of ridicule or as a means to make money),” he added. “At ang pinakamasakit diyan, niloloko tayo pagkakitaan gamit ang social media. Babala po sa lahat na gusto itong gawin, huhulihin namin kayo at hindi kami basta papayag na bastusin ninyo ang mga Pilipino. Walang exempted sa batas dito sa Pilipinas (The most painful part is, they’re deceiving us just to make money through social media. A warning to anyone planning to do the same: We will arrest you. No one is exempt from the law here in the Philippines.”
The interior secretary also mentioned that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have yet to discuss the process of filing charges. However, he emphasized that no special treatment would be given and that due process would be followed.
Additionally, the cameraman involved in the video would also face charges for enabling the crime that took place.
After what had happened, the DILG secretary reminded everyone to be more mindful and more responsible of what they post online.
“People have to take responsibility for the content they create. It is not a license to shame, berrate, or bismerch anyone on social media… Kung gusto niyong pagkakitaan ang katarantaduhan niyo, handa kayong pagbayaran ‘yon (If you want to profit from your foolishness, then be prepared to pay the price for it),” he asserted.
His latest video, titled “DISTURBING THE PEACE in the Philippines,“ was uploaded to his Kick account. It featured him playing pranks on Filipino passersby, riding a patrol motorcycle, stealing an industrial fan from a restaurant, and repeatedly snatching a security guard’s cap, among other antics.
Photo: Vitaly/Kick
Despite his controversial activities and being arrested for his extreme pranks, the content creator has over 10 million subscribers on YouTube.
On April 2, he was arrested by authorities in front of a hotel in Pasay City. His arrest was coordinated with the Makati Police and the CIDG.
“The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable,” said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. “Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we will take swift action against offenders.”
“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.”
ALSO READ: Russian Vlogger Vitaly Is Arrested
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