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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Foreign aviation student arrested for 'spying' is licensed jet fighter pilot

Foreign aviation student arrested for 'spying' is licensed jet fighter pilot

Published Feb 17, 2026 04:27 pm
National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año (Courtesy of National Security Council)
National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año (Courtesy of National Security Council)
The Mongolian aviation student arrested in Zambales over suspicion of espionage is actually a licensed jet fighter pilot for the Chinese military, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.
The information further boost suspicions that his presence in the Philippines is intended to gather information in relation to the areas in Zambales and areas near the West Philippine Sea.
Zambales and nearby areas are home for vital military locations and the modus of the foreigner to enroll as a student pilot when he already flies fighter jets is already a red flag, according to Año.
“The said foreign national who enrolled as an aviation student concealed his military background and service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), especially his jet fighter license from the PLA Air Force Aviation University. Such non-disclosure constitutes a serious violation of Philippine immigration laws,” said An1o.
“Moreover, his presence and actions in Zambales near vital military locations are clearly inconsistent with his purpose of stay in the country,” he added.
The arrested foreigner’s training activities in Iba are located roughly 120 nautical miles from the Scarborough Shoal and the data seized from him allegedly contain photos of an airport and land and water system in Zambales and nearby areas.
The Mongolian was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration on Feb. 12 at an aviation academy in Zambales.
Año commended the government agencies who worked together to confirm information and eventually led to his arrest.
“The Philippines maintains an open and welcoming policy towards foreign students and aviation trainees. However, transparency, compliance with visa conditions, and adherence to Philippine laws are non-negotiable,” said Año.
“Any act of misrepresentation, concealment, and activity that compromises national security will be dealt with firmly. Any attempt to exploit our openness, deceive our authorities, or operate against our national interest will be detected, disrupted, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.
Año assured the public that the government will continue to strengthen coordination among intelligence, immigration, aviation, and law enforcement agencies “to detect, deter and respond decisively to any threat to our national security.”
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