Palace wants Russian vlogger declared persona non grata

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday said Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy should be declared persona non grata for harassing Filipinos in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

“He will be deported. For that alone, he is already considered persona non grata,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

She said President Marcos was aware of the incident involving the vlogger.

“The report reached the President. That’s why concerned authorities immediately conducted an operation. With the joint efforts of the Philippine National Police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group  and the Bureau of Immigration, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was arrested as we saw how he harassed our fellow Filipinos and he did not respect our laws here,” Castro said.

She stressed that while foreigners are welcome in the Philippines, harassment of Filipinos and unruly behavior would not be tolerated.

“This should serve as a lesson. If you are a content creator, you should limit (your vlogs) to what is only necessary,” Castro said.

 Zdorovetskiy, 33, is facing three counts of unjust vexation in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act, two cases of theft and one of attempted theft.

The suspect is being held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig pending deportation.

Castro said that the Filipino who served as videographer of the Russian vlogger should also be held accountable.

“He can also be charged, depending on his action,” she added.

Immigration and CIDG operatives apprehended Zdorovetskiy following reports of harassment and disruptive behavior, as documented in his vlog titled “Vitaly disturbing the peace in the Philippines.”

Four security guards and a restaurant owner filed the complaints against the vlogger.