Estonian vlogger in Dumaguete arrested for harassing locals — BI

An Estonian vlogger was arrested in Dumaguete City for allegedly harassing Filipinos in his content, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday.

At a press conference, 34-year-old  Siim Roosipuu was presented to the media.

“Meron kaming nahuling isang Siim Roosipuu. Isa po siyang Estonian. Umiikot po siya sa Dumaguete at nagba-vlog siya,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

(We have arrested a certain Siim Roosipuu. He is an Estonian. He is roaming around Dumaguete and he is vlogging.)

“Si Siim po ay overstaying sa Pilipinas nang ilang linggo na. Ang last extension niya ay hanggang January 1 lamang. Ngunit dahil siya ay nahuli, siya po ay dadalhin sa trial court,” he added.

(Siim has been overstaying in the Philippines for several weeks. His last extension is only until January 1. But since he was caught, he will be brought to trial court.)

Roosipuu will be charged for violating the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, according to Remulla.

Based on the video shown during the press briefing, the Estonian vlogger was seen saying that the locals around him have “monkey face” while making monkey sounds.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) earlier said that Roosipuu was arrested by BI intelligence and anti-terrorist group operatives  on January 15.

Roosipuu ran a YouTube channel called ‘Pro Life Traveler’ and allegedly harassed Filipinos, including minors, according to Immigration authorities.

Videos of him chasing and asking inappropriate questions to underage women circulated on social media, the agency added.

“The Philippines is not a content playground,” Viado said. “We welcome tourists and legitimate creators, but anyone who exploits our people for views, clicks, or profit will face arrest, deportation, and blacklisting,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

“If you come here to provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos, your stay will be short and your exit will be permanent,” he added. —RF, GMA Integrated News