Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla vowed on Friday, Jan. 23, that the full force of the law would be strictly enforced against delinquent foreign nationals who abuse Filipino hospitality.

Remulla issued the warning following the recent arrest of two foreign vloggers who went viral on social media for content widely criticized as mocking and abusive, with one even threatening to spread a “highly transmissible virus.”

According to the DILG, one of those arrested was Nikita Chekhov, a 21-year-old Russian who went on social media claiming his intent to spread the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). He was nabbed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit inside a condominium building in Quezon City.

Remulla confirmed that Chekhov tested negative for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, saying his threats were merely for clicks and rage-baiting.

“Negative po siya sa HIV, negative po sa lahat ng STD (sexually transmitted diseases). In other words, nagpapasikat lang, ginagamit ang mga Pilipino (He tested negative for HIV and all STDs. In other words, he was just seeking attention and using Filipinos),” Remulla explained.

Meanwhile, Estonian vlogger Siim Roosipuu, 34, who drew criticism for his online content where he allegedly harassed locals and called Filipinos “looking like monkeys,” was arrested by BI intelligence operatives and an anti-terrorism group in Dumaguete City, in coordination with the local police and barangay officials.

“Both are now under the custody of the BI and are undergoing deportation proceedings,” the DILG said.

Roosipuu’s contents were likened to the viral Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who was deported back to Russia last Jan. 17 after serving a nine-month detention in the Philippines.

Zdorovetskiy was detained for harassment-related offenses committed in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. He was arrested last year after filming prank videos involving Filipino civilians.

“Again, minamahal natin ang mga turista. Ang turismo ay malaking bahagi ng ating ekonomiya. Pero kung ang mga dayuhan na ito ay niloloko tayo, hindi natin aatrasan ito (We love tourists, and tourism is a big part of our economy. But if foreigners make fools of us, we will not back down),” Remulla said.

With sarcasm, Remulla warned that the full force of the law would be applied so erring tourists could see that while Philippine scenery is beautiful, jail cells are far less pleasant.

“Katulad ng nangyari kay Vitaly (Just like what happened to Vitaly), let this be an example to all tourists. We love you all, we welcome you to the Philippines, but please do not abuse our hospitality,” Remulla added.