Russian vlogger to be deported

MANILA, Philippines — After serving time in detention for over nine months for harassing Filipinos, Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy is set to be deported to his country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced yesterday.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that while Zdorovetskiy is a US green card holder, he is still a Russian citizen.

Unlike his previous encounter with Remulla following his arrest in April 2025 where he made faces, Zdorovetskiy was silent when he was presented at a press conference yesterday.

Clad in an orange detention shirt of the Bureau of Immigration, the Russian vlogger looked directly at the cameras without his antics.

Zdorovetskiy gained notoriety after posting vlogs threatening to rob a Filipina, harassing security guards, riding unauthorized on a patrol motorcycle and stealing an electric fan.

He was arrested in April 2025 and charged with unjust vexation, alarm and scandal.

Arvin Cesar Santos, who heads the Bureau of Immigration’s legal division, said a Taguig Court has resolved Zdorovetskiy’s cases.

“His penalty is deemed served. So he can be deported soon,” Santos told reporters.

According to Remulla, Zdorovetskiy’s case should serve as a reminder to other foreigners to always respect the laws of the countries they are visiting.

“We have no ill feelings toward Vitaly. He has served his time and he has shown his remorse,” Remulla said.