Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorevetskiy will stay in the detention facility of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as his deportation will depend on the conclusion of the legal proceedings on all the criminal charges filed against him, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Monday, April 7.
“He is under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration as an undesirable alien and a flight risk. His case will serve as an example to our kababayan that laws must prevail over foreigners like Vitaly,” said Remulla.
“He has to suffer the consequences. He will not be deported yet, until such time that a final verdict is handed by the court, he will stay in the Philippines,” he added.
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested Zdorevetskiy last week following an uproar on social media over his vlogs that showed he disrespected Filipinos at the Bonifacio Global City.
Police turned him over to the BI after the arrest and Remulla said the Russian vlogger has been staying in a regular detention cell at the BI custodial facility.
At least five criminal charges were filed against Zdorevetskiy, including a case in Boracay Island where he allegedly insulted a wind surfing instructor.
“He has been making vlogs, and making money out of disrespecting people. But not in our own land. We will not allow him to insult and disrespect any Filipino,” said Remulla.
During the press briefing wherein Remulla presented Zdorevetskiy to the media, the moderator of the press briefing had to remind the Russian to behave.
This, after he was seen mumbling words and making gestures apparently aimed at Remulla.
Remulla himself confirmed that Zdorevetskiy was cursing at him.
Remulla would not comment on questions about the mental state of Zdorevetskiy but said his unusual behavior was the reason why he was declared persona non grata in some countries. (Aaron Recuenco)
