Russian vlogger to stay in BI detention facility

Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will remain in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Detention Facility in Muntinlupa City.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla asserted that Zdorovetskiy will be treated just like any other suspect, without special treatment and will eat the same food as regular inmates.

Remulla emphasized that Filipinos are law-abiding in foreign countries and that this serves as an example of the Philippines taking its own seriousness in not allowing disrespect from foreigners.

Zdorovetskiy faces local charges including unjust vexation, attempted theft, and theft for his disruptive behavior, which included harassing mallgoers and a security guard, taking videos without consent, and vlogging without a permit.

The BI found him to be an undesirable alien and flight risk.

The vlogger will not be deported following his arrest, and police are searching for his Filipino cameraman.

He is currently under the restrictive custody of the BI.