RUSSIAN VLOGGER SERVES JAIL SENTENCE; TO BE DEPORTED TO RUSSIA

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has confirmed the impending deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy following the completion of his sentence for harassment-related offenses committed in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that Zdorovetskiy has already served his sentence and is now cleared for deportation.

He emphasized that while the Philippines welcomes foreign visitors, it expects full respect for its laws.

“Let this be a reminder to all our visitors here in the Philippines that while we welcome tourists and treat them with respect, we also expect them to follow our laws, just as we do when we travel abroad. We have no ill feelings against Vitaly. He has served his time, shown remorse, and is now a free man when he returns to Russia,” Remulla said.

He clarified that although Zdorovetskiy holds a United States green card, he remains a Russian citizen and will be deported to Russia in accordance with standard immigration procedures.

Zdorovetskiy is expected to leave the country within the week, on board a flight passing through Kalibo, Aklan, en route to Moscow.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that a deportation order has been issued and is awaiting final clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the courts.

The BI added that all cases and penalties against Zdorovetskiy have been resolved and that coordination with Russian authorities is underway to finalize his return.

Zdorovetskiy was apprehended last year after filming prank videos involving Filipino civilians. His actions reportedly included attempting to kiss and grab a security guard, trying to seize the guard’s firearm, recording individuals without consent, and vlogging in BGC without the required permit.