Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday confirmed that a Russian national who went viral for threatening to spread HIV in the Philippines tested negative for the virus.
Remulla presented at Camp Crame Russian content creator Nikita Chekhov, who was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit. Chekhov earlier drew public outrage after posting a video in which he claimed he would deliberately spread HIV in the country.
According to Remulla, Chekhov tested negative for HIV and was merely seeking attention through his online content. The interior secretary said the video caused unnecessary fear and alarm among the public.
Alongside Chekhov, Remulla also presented Estonian YouTuber Siim Roosipuu, who is facing issues with his stay in the Philippines. Remulla said Roosipuu has been overstaying, as his permitted stay expired on Jan. 1.
Authorities also cited Roosipuu for a separate incident involving a video in which he described Filipinos as “monkeys.” Remulla said the YouTuber may face charges for violating the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act.
Remulla warned that the cases of Chekhov, Roosipuu, and Russian prankster Vitaly Zdorovetskiy should serve as a clear warning to foreign nationals who disrespect Filipinos or abuse their stay in the country for offensive online content.
Authorities are also reviewing a recent post by Zdorovetskiy, in which he was seen recording a video while inside a detention facility. Zdorovetskiy has previously said he plans to release a documentary about his situation while in jail.
