Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned incoming foreign nationals against abusing the country’s hospitality, stressing the government’s strict law enforcement against visitors who disrespect the country and its people.

“Again, minamahal natin ang turista, ang turismo ay malaking bagay sa ating ekonomiya, Pero kung ang mga dayuhan na ito ay (niloloko) tayo ay hindi natin a-atrasan ito,” Remulla stated.

“Bibigyan natin ng buong bigat ng batas para maramdaman nila na kung maganda ang Pilipinas sa pag-iikot, sila ay mas magagandahan pag nasa loob na ng preso,” he said sarcastically.

The statement came amid the recent arrest of two foreign vloggers who went viral on social media for content widely criticized as mocking and abusing. One of which even threatens spreading a highly transmissible virus.

Nikita Chekhov, who went on social media claiming his intent to spread Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit inside a condominium building in Quezon City.

According to Remulla, Chekhov was tested negative for any signs of HIV thus, his threats are only for clicks and ragebaits.“Negative po sya sa HIV, negative po sa lahat ng STD. In other words, nagpapasikat lang, ginagamit ang mga Pilipino,” Remulla stated.

Meanwhile, Siim Roosipuu, an Estonian Vlogger, who also triggered criticism over his “Vitaly” like contents, was arrested by BI intelligence operatives and anti-terrorist group, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Dumaguete City Police Station and Barangay Cantil-e officials.

Both are now under custody of BI and are undergoing deportation proceedings. Last January 17, viral Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was deported back to Russia after serving his nine-month detention in the Philippines.

“Katulad ng nangyari kay Vitaly, let this be an example to all the tourists. We love you all, we welcome you to the Philippines, but please do not abuse our hospitality,” the DILG said in closing.