Philippine authorities have taken decisive action against Estonian digital creator Siim Roosipuu, arresting and initiating deportation proceedings following numerous complaints of harassment and inappropriate conduct toward Filipino citizens. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed the 34-year-old vlogger’s apprehension on January 15th through coordinated operations involving intelligence operatives, the Philippine National Police, and anti-terrorism units.
Roosipuu, who operates the YouTube channel ‘Pro Life Traveler,’ stands accused of multiple violations including unauthorized filming, harassment of minors, and creating offensive content that humiliated local residents. The situation escalated when local officials in Negros Oriental declared him persona non grata, forwarding their formal resolution to national agencies for enforcement action.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado delivered a stern warning to foreign content creators, stating: ‘The Philippines is not a content playground. We welcome tourists and legitimate creators, but anyone who exploits our people for views, clicks, or profit will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting.’ He emphasized that visitors who ‘provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos’ would experience short stays and permanent exits from the country.
The case bears resemblance to previous incidents involving foreign vloggers, particularly Russian content creator Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who faced criminal charges after livestreaming harassment activities in Taguig City. Philippine authorities have demonstrated increased vigilance toward digital creators who violate local laws and cultural norms while pursuing online engagement.
The Bureau of Immigration has commenced formal deportation procedures, ensuring Roosipuu will be permanently barred from re-entering the Philippines following his removal from the country.