Authorities on Sunday confirmed the arrest of a 30-year-old Mongolian student pilot in Zambales for alleged espionage and immigration violations following a joint operation by the Bureau of Immigration and national security agencies.
The suspect, identified as Bold-Erdene Boldbaatar, was taken into custody at his residence in Barangay Lipay-Dingin, Iba.
Intelligence reports indicate that Boldbaatar, a graduate of the Defense University of Mongolia and the Civil Aviation University of China, allegedly withheld information regarding his military background, specifically his status as a jet fighter pilot trained at the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Aviation University in China.
Security concerns peaked after the suspect was allegedly caught taking unauthorized aerial photographs of the Iba Airport and the Palauig River area during solo training flights.
Investigators noted that these locations are strategically sensitive due to their proximity to Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.
The BI has tagged Boldbaatar as an undesirable alien, stating that his activities suggest reconnaissance and intelligence gathering rather than simple flight training.
Boldbaatar is currently being held at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. He faces deportation for the fraudulent procurement of immigration benefits and posing a threat to national security.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency is continuing its investigation to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities and any potential links to foreign military operations.