BI arrests Estonian vloggerMANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration has arrested an Estonian vlogger, warning that the Philippines will no longer tolerate foreign content creators who harass locals and turn Filipino communities into viral spectacles. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the case mirrors the earlier deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, describing it as another instance of a foreign vlogger exploiting the country’s openness for shock content and online fame. The locals cited complaints of harassment, unauthorized filming, offensive remarks and online content that demeaned Filipinos, prompting the city council to endorse the matter to national agencies and trigger enforcement action. Identified as Siim Roosipuu, 34, the Estonian vlogger was arrested on Jan. 15 by BI intelligence operatives and an anti-terrorism unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Dumaguete City Police Station and Barangay Cantil-e officials. We welcome tourists and legitimate creators, but anyone who exploits our people for views, clicks or profit will face arrest, deportation and blacklisting,” Viado said.

Source: Philippine Star January 17, 2026 17:30 UTC