Russian vlogger Vitaly went to PH for 'rage bait’ content, set to be deported
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration believes Russian content creator Vitaly Zdorovetskiy traveled to the Philippines to create "rage baiting" content, which led him to be arrested by authorities.
“Ang alleged kanyang reason for going here is meron siyang tinulungan daw na isang Filipino family, pero tingin natin ginawa niya lang 'to para sa clout,” spokesperson Dana Sandoval told NewsWatch Plus on Thursday, April 3.
[Translation: He said his reason for going here is to help a Filipino family but we think he went here for clout.]
She noted that the vlogger had committed similar acts in other countries.
The immigration official added Zdorovetskiy was “smug” when he was arrested on Wednesday for being an “undesirable foreign national” after he harassed Filipinos for his channel.
“Tinatawan niya pa 'yung mga [He was laughing at the] officers. He looked like he did not have any remorse. During the reading ng Miranda Rights sa kanya, nagpa-flying kiss pa siya doon sa mga arresting officers natin [he sent flying kisses to arresting officers],” she said.
Zdorovetskiy drew flak on social media over his videos in which he threatened to rob a woman, asked a security guard if he could shove a banana in him, and ran away after removing another security guard’s cap in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
The BI and the Department of Tourism reminded tourists that they are welcome to the Philippines but they have to follow laws.
“We condemn any form of abusive behavior by tourists, whether it is disrespecting our local culture or violating the rights of individuals,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated. “We call on all foreign visitors to be mindful of their conduct and to embrace the spirit of mutual understanding and respect during their time in the Philippines.”
A security guard reportedly filed a police blotter with the Southern Police District, citing harassment of the content creator.
Zdorovetskiy is in the BI’s detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, awaiting deportation proceedings.
