A Mongolian national, who is allegedly engaged in espionage, has been arrested in Zambales, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday, Feb. 15.
The BI identified the foreigner as 30-year-old Boldbaatar Bold-Erdene.
It said that Boldbaatar was arrested last Feb. 12 in an aviation school in Barangay Lipay Dingin in Iba, Zambales by operatives of the BI’s intelligence and special response team with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
It also said the Mongolian was arrested after being tagged by BI as an undesirable alien who poses risks to public interest and safety.
Based on information gathered, the BI said that Boldbaatar is a graduating student of the aviation school and, during flight exercises, “the subject reportedly conducted aerial photography of Iba Airport and the nearby Palauig River area, approximately five nautical miles from the airport.”
“According to official intelligence information, he graduated as a jet fighter pilot with suspected affiliation to the Chinese government,” it also said.
The BI warned that foreign nationals found to be engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa status, especially those with potential national security implications, will face immediate action.
Bolbaatar has been brought to Manila and has been detained at the BI’s Warden Facility while awaiting deportation.