Dumaguete City, Philippines — Philippine authorities have arrested a 34-year-old Estonian vlogger accused of harassing local residents, including minors, and overstaying his visa, in a case officials say underscores a broader crackdown on foreign content creators who exploit Filipinos for online attention.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that Siim Roosipuu, who runs the YouTube channel “Pro Life Traveler,” was arrested on January 15 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental following multiple complaints from residents and a formal declaration by the local government branding him persona non grata.
Roosipuu now faces criminal charges linked to unauthorized filming and online harassment, alongside deportation proceedings for violating Philippine immigration laws.
Accusations of Harassment and Racist Conduct
According to the BI and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Roosipuu circulated videos in which he allegedly chased locals in public places, asked inappropriate questions to underage women, and filmed people without their consent.
Authorities said some of the footage contained demeaning remarks, including instances in which Roosipuu reportedly mocked Filipinos by making monkey sounds and referring to locals as having “monkey faces.” Several of the incidents are believed to have taken place in Barangay Cantil-e, a residential area frequented by students and families.
Residents lodged complaints after the videos circulated online, prompting alarm among parents and community leaders over the safety of minors and the erosion of respect in public spaces.
Local Government Steps In
In early January, the Dumaguete City Council passed a resolution declaring Roosipuu persona non grata, citing harassment, unauthorized recording, and the online publication of content that officials described as demeaning and exploitative.
The resolution was forwarded to national authorities, setting in motion the immigration enforcement that led to his arrest. BI operatives, working with the Philippine National Police and barangay officials, confirmed that Roosipuu was apprehended while still in the city.
Overstaying and Criminal Charges
Immigration records show that Roosipuu’s most recent visa extension expired on January 1. By the time of his arrest, he had been overstaying for several weeks, a violation that independently warrants deportation.
Beyond immigration offenses, prosecutors are preparing charges under the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, reflecting the alleged filming of individuals — including minors — and the uploading of the material to online platforms.
At a press conference on January 22, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla publicly presented Roosipuu and confirmed that the case would proceed to court.
“Meron kaming nahuling isang Siim Roosipuu. Isa po siyang Estonian. Umiikot po siya sa Dumaguete at nagba-vlog siya,” Remulla said. He added that the vlogger would face trial after being caught overstaying his visa.
Warning to Foreign Vloggers
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado framed the arrest as part of a deliberate policy shift, warning foreign visitors against using the country as what he called 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,” Viado said.
He likened the case to previous incidents involving high-profile foreign vloggers, describing it as “another Vitaly case — different person, same behavior.” The message, he added, is meant to be unmistakable: disrespecting locals while hiding behind a camera will not shield anyone from the law.
Impact on an Open, Tourism-Driven City
Dumaguete, often branded a relaxed university town and gateway for divers and digital nomads, relies heavily on its reputation for hospitality. Local officials stressed that the case does not reflect a backlash against tourism, but rather a line drawn to protect ordinary residents.
For families in neighborhoods where the filming took place, the incident has rattled confidence in public safety. Parents interviewed by local officials voiced fears about strangers targeting children under the guise of content creation — an anxiety that cuts especially deep in communities accustomed to welcoming foreigners.
Authorities emphasized that the case is localized and not indicative of wider disruptions across the Philippines, but they acknowledged it exposes vulnerabilities in tourist-dependent areas where boundaries can blur.
Next Steps
The BI said Roosipuu remains in custody as deportation and court proceedings move forward. If convicted, he faces removal from the country and potential blacklisting, barring him from returning.
For now, officials say, the arrest stands as both enforcement action and warning — a reminder that while the Philippines welcomes visitors, the law draws firm limits when cameras cross into coercion and curiosity turns into abuse.
