Social media users hoped Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy had learned his lesson after being imprisoned in Philippines for several months following his pranks and stunts in Metro Manila.
The 33-year-old vlogger posted photos and a video on Wednesday, January 21, showing himself inside the Bureau of Immigration‘s (BI) Warden Facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
He shared the update after being arrested in April 2025 and labeled an “undesirable foreign national” for harassing a security guard, shouting expletives at a Filipina, stealing a heavy-duty electric fan, and taking a tricycle that later crashed into a jeepney.
Vitaly was charged with unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft, with the BI saying he disrupted public peace and safety and committed acts deemed contrary to morals, good customs and public policy.
On January 15, the BI said that the prankster would be deported to Russia after serving his penalty.
Vitaly’s deportation was processed based on the passport of origin rather than the country of residence, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Meanwhile, the vlogger took to social media to share an update after being detained in the Philippines for about nine months.
“After 290 days in the Phillipines jail with rats, cockroaches, and + [over] 35 Celsius weather, I am finally free,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“They really tried to break me, but it built me. Out of the 290 days, I spent 91 days in complete Isolation. They wanted me gone, but I’m here, all glory to GOD!!!” Vitaly added with emojis of chains and a collision burst.
His post was accompanied by a photo of him on a bunk bed, attending what appeared to be a Bible study, and a video of him staring out the window as it rained.
After 290 days in the Phillipines jail with rats, cockroaches, and +35 Celsius weather, I am finally free. They really tried to break me but it built me. Out of the 290 days, I spent 91 days in complete Isolation. They wanted me gone but I’m here, all glory to GOD!!! ⛓️💥 pic.twitter.com/li2tsgMarG
— VitalyTheGoat🐐 (@vitalyzdtv) January 20, 2026
Vitaly’s post caught the attention of some social media users, who hoped he had learned his lesson after his stunts.
“What is the biggest lesson you learned?” an online user commented.
“Learn your lesson and move on!” another wrote.
“It was avoidable, I am sure. Follow the rule of law and you’ll have [fewer] incidents like this,” a different X user commented.
“Hope you were able to reflect,” another said.
“Hope you learned the lessons?” another wrote.
“Hopefully, the experience has humbled you, and you have become a nicer human being,” a different X user said.
Meanwhile, Remulla said that Vitaly’s arrest should serve as a reminder to all foreign visitors to the Philippines that while they are welcomed and treated with due respect, they are also expected to comply with local laws, just as Filipinos are required to do when abroad.
“We have no ill feelings against Vitaly. He has served his time, he has shown his remorse, and he is now a free man when he goes back to Russia,” he said.
Another vlogger, Estonian Siim Roosipuu of the “Pro Life Traveler,” is also set to be deported following numerous complaints of unauthorized filming, harassment and the publication of offensive remarks that demeaned Filipinos.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado likewise warned foreigners that “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.
— with reports from Philstar.com/Dominique Flores and Ian Laqui
