Russian vlogger Nikita Chekhov. ARCHIVE

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has confirmed that Russian vlogger Nikita Chekhov, who went viral for claiming he would deliberately spread HIV in the Philippines, tested negative for HIV and is facing deportation for causing public alarm. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said medical examinations conducted in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) on January 23 (Friday) showed that Chekhov was non-reactive for HIV and other related illnesses. “He was likewise tested for other related illnesses, all of which yielded negative results,” Viado said. The 21-year-old vlogger, who uses the TikTok username @misterjakol, was arrested in Quezon City on January 22 (Thursday) after videos of him threatening to spread HIV while in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) circulated widely online, sparking fear among Filipinos. “These so-called rage-bait videos irresponsibly cause fear and panic among the public,” Viado said, referring to content designed to provoke outrage for views and engagement. “Foreign nationals who come to the Philippines to spread alarm, disrespect our people, or abuse our hospitality are not welcome and will face deportation,” he added. Chekhov arrived in the Philippines on January 15 and is currently detained at the BI Warden Facility. If found to have no criminal record, the BI said deportation preparations would proceed immediately. The case follows a series of deportations involving foreign vloggers. An Estonian vlogger is also facing removal after complaints of harassment and unauthorized filming, while Russian national Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was previously deported after spending months in jail for public disturbance and harassment. Viado also addressed recent videos uploaded by Zdorovetskiy alleging “inhumane” conditions inside the BI Warden Facility, calling the claims false and misleading. “There are no pregnant women or children held at the facility,” Viado said, adding that an internal investigation led to the confiscation of smuggled gadgets and the removal of personnel found negligent. ICA/Expat Media
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