Mongolian Aviation Student Arrested in Zambales for Alleged Espionage Linked to China
Authorities say foreign national allegedly concealed ties to Chinese military while taking aerial photos near strategic sites.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Mongolian national, 30-year-old Boldbaatar Bold-Erdene, at an aviation school in Brgy. Lipay Dingin, Iba, Zambales on February 12. The arrest was part of a joint operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over activities allegedly harmful to national security.
BI labeled Boldbaatar an “undesirable alien” for posing a potential risk to public safety, citing intelligence reports of his suspected affiliation with the Chinese government.
What Happened
The Mongolian aviation student, who was nearing graduation, reportedly took aerial photographs of Iba Airport and the nearby Palauig River area, around five nautical miles from the airport.
Following his arrest, he was transported to the BI main office in Manila for booking, medical checks, and biometric processing before being transferred to the BI Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings.
The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Iba Municipal Police Station, PPO Zambales, CIDG Region 3, RIU 3, PNP Internal Affairs, PRO 3, and other intelligence units.
Hidden Military Background
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed the Mongolian national is a trained jet fighter pilot under China’s military. Boldbaatar allegedly concealed his military experience and pilot license from the PLA Air Force Aviation University while entering the Philippines as an aviation student.
Año said, “Such non-disclosure is a serious violation of Philippine immigration laws. His presence near sensitive military sites in Zambales is inconsistent with his declared purpose of stay.”
Government Response and Warnings
The Philippines maintains an open policy for foreign students and aviation trainees, but Año emphasized that full transparency is mandatory. Misrepresentation or activities compromising national security will be “detected, disrupted, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Zambales hosts several key military facilities, making the incident particularly sensitive amid regional security tensions. Año urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities, including unexplained aerial movements or misrepresentation of identity.
He added that government agencies continue to coordinate closely to “detect, deter, and respond decisively to any threat to our national security.”