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Philippines arrests Estonian vlogger for harassment, 'offensive' remarks toward Filipinos
'If you come here to provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos, your stay will be short and your exit will be permanent,' the country's Bureau of Immigration emphasised
- PUBLISHED: Sat 17 Jan 2026, 6:49 PM
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An Estonian vlogger has been arrested in the Philippines after multiple complaints of harassment, unauthorised filming, and demeaning behaviour toward locals, the country's Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Saturday (January 17).
Siim Roosipuu, who runs a YouTube channel called Pro Life Traveler, allegedly harassed Filipinos — including minors — and engaged in behaviour that the authorities deemed inappropriate and offensive.
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The BI has already initiated deportation proceedings of the 34-year-old vlogger, stressing that such conduct by foreign visitors will not be tolerated, according to a report by Inquirer.net.
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BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado drew parallels between Roosipuu’s case and that of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who faced backlash for livestreaming himself harassing residents in Taguig City. Zdorovetskiy was charged with three counts of unjust vexation and was arrested after the incident went viral.
"The Philippines is not a content playground," said Viado, adding that foreigners visiting the country should not exploit Filipinos for mere likes and views.
“[The authorities] acted after local officials in Negros Oriental declared the vlogger persona non grata,” the BI said in a statement. They noted that complaints included harassment, unauthorised filming, offensive remarks, and online content that demeaned Filipinos. The city council resolution was forwarded to national agencies, triggering enforcement action and the vlogger’s arrest.
“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 in the same statement.
“If you come here to provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos, your stay will be short and your exit will be permanent,” Viado added.
Inquirer.net also noted that the vlogger was apprehended on January 15 by BI intelligence operatives in coordination with the Philippine National Police and the country’s anti-terrorism unit.
