‘India needs to do the same’: Internet reacts as Philippines arrest ‘racist’ vloggers accused of harassing locals

The Philippines has taken a hard stance against foreign vloggers after a recent incident involving racist comments and public disturbances. This crackdown has sparked a lively conversation, with some advocating for India to implement similar policies.

A debate started online over how countries deal with foreign content creators accused of making racist or offensive videos, after the Philippines took strong action against several vloggers. The discussion has also drawn attention to similar controversies involving influencers filming content in India.In the Philippines, authorities recently arrested two foreign vloggers and publicly warned that the country would no longer be a “content playground”. Their Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government would apply the law strictly against foreigners who cause public nuisance, invade privacy or harass locals.

Monkey gestures

One of those arrested was an Estonian vlogger, identified in reports as 34-year-old Siim Roosipuu. He was detained in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental earlier this week. Local officials accused him of harassing people in public spaces, chasing locals for reactions and making racist remarks. In several videos filmed in markets and on streets, he referred to Filipino men, including tricycle drivers, as looking or acting like “monkeys”, and also made monkey sounds and gestures. He was also accused of overstaying his visa. The Dumaguete City Council later officially banned him from the city.