According to information provided by MiddleAsianNews, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines reported the detention of a citizen of Mongolia in the town of Iba, located in Zambales province, due to suspicions of espionage activities.
The Bureau of Immigration reported that 30-year-old Bold-Erdene Boldbaatar, a graduate of a pilot school, was arrested. His detention occurred on February 12 at an aviation school in the village of Lipay Dingin.
The suspect was taken into custody as a result of a joint operation involving the intelligence unit of the Bureau of Immigration, a rapid response team, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies. His status as an "undesirable foreigner" was established due to threats to public interest and security.
According to official data, Bold-Erdene has already undergone training in piloting fighter jets and may be linked to an intelligence agency.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, during training flights, the suspect conducted aerial photography of the Iba airport and the surrounding area of the Palauig River, located approximately five nautical miles from the airport.
The Bureau of Immigration stated that the Philippines will not allow its educational institutions to be used for activities that threaten national security.
"Foreigners must strictly adhere to the conditions of their stay in the Philippines," added representatives of the Bureau of Immigration.
After the arrest, the detainee was transferred to the main office of the Bureau of Immigration in Manila for necessary documentation, medical examination, and biometric processing.
He was later transferred to a correctional facility of the Bureau of Immigration, where he will await deportation proceedings.
