Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla warned incoming foreign nationals against abusing the Philippines’ hospitality on Thursday, emphasizing that strict laws shall be enforced upon visitors who disrespect the country and its people.
“Again, we love tourists. Tourism is a big part of our economy. But if these foreigners make us look like fools, we will not back down,” Remulla said in a press conference.
“We will give them the full weight of the law, so they will feel that if the Philippines is good when you look around, they will be better off when they are in prison,” he said sarcastically.
The statement came amid the recent arrests of two foreign vloggers, who went viral on social media for content widely criticized as mocking and disrespectful. One of whom even threatened to spread an infectious disease.
Nikita Chekhov, who went on social media claiming his intent to spread human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit inside a condominium building in Quezon City.
According to Remulla, Chekhov was tested negative for any signs of HIV thus, his threats are only for clicks or so-called ‘rage-baits.’
“He (Chekhov) is negative for HIV, negative for all STDs. In other words, he was just trying to claim fame using the Filipinos,” Remulla stated.
Meanwhile, Siim Roosipuu, an Estonian Vlogger, who also triggered criticism over his off-putting content, was arrested by BI intelligence operatives and anti-terrorist group, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Dumaguete City Police Station and Barangay Cantil-e officials.
Both are now under the custody of the BI and are undergoing deportation proceedings. Last January 17, vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was deported back to Russia after serving his nine-month detention in the Philippines.
“Like what happened to Vitaly, let this be an example to all the tourists. We love you all, we welcome you to the Philippines, but please do not abuse our hospitality,” the DILG chief added.
