JANUARY 22, 2026 — An Estonian vlogger was arrested in Dumaguete City after calling Filipinos “monkey-looking” in his video content. The 34-year-old, identified as Siim Roosipuu, was also found to be overstaying in the country.

At a press conference, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla presented Roosipuu to the media. 

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

(We arrested one Siim Roosipuu. He is Estonian. He was roaming around Dumaguete and vlogging.)

Authorities revealed that Roosipuu’s last visa extension expired on January 1, and he had been illegally staying in the Philippines for weeks. He now faces charges under the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Roosipuu was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration’s Intelligence and Anti-Terrorist group on January 15 at his rented home. His videos showed him mocking locals by imitating monkey sounds and making inappropriate remarks toward young women.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado delivered it straight, saying, “The Philippines is not 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.” 

He added, “If you come here to provoke, insult, or humiliate Filipinos, your stay will be short and your exit will be permanent.”

So why do some foreigners think they can treat Filipinos as props for cheap online clout? Isn’t it insulting that in our own country, we’re reduced to caricatures for someone else’s entertainment?

Yet this case also sends a strong message: the Philippines is open to visitors, but not to disrespect. Tourists are welcome, but exploitation is not. Respect is the bare minimum — and without it, you’re out.

Will we keep letting outsiders trample on our dignity, or will we finally draw the line?

(Image: DILG Philippines | Facebook)