The Bureau of Immigration said it has initiated deportation proceedings against an Estonian content creator following a series of complaints tied to his conduct toward Filipinos, including minors, during his stay in the country.
Immigration authorities identified the foreign national as Siim Roosipuu, 34, who was taken into custody on January 15. The arrest was carried out by BI intelligence operatives and an anti-terrorist unit, working in coordination with the Philippine National Police, according to the agency.
The BI said Roosipuu operates a YouTube channel called “Pro Life Traveler” and has been accused of engaging in behavior that local officials described as harassing, demeaning, and involving unauthorized filming of residents. Complaints reportedly included incidents affecting minors.
In a statement, the BI said action was prompted after local authorities in Negros Oriental declared Roosipuu persona non grata. The city council resolution cited allegations of harassment, offensive remarks, and online content that demeaned Filipinos. The resolution was subsequently endorsed to national agencies, leading to enforcement measures and the vlogger’s arrest.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado compared the case to the earlier deportation of Russian internet personality Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who faced charges after livestreaming acts that targeted Filipinos in Taguig City. Zdorovetskiy was charged with three counts of unjust vexation following public backlash over the incident.
Viado stressed that online notoriety does not excuse misconduct by foreign visitors, saying the country should not be treated as a venue for exploitative content.
“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.
“If you come here to provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos, your stay will be short and your exit will be permanent,” he added.
