IBA, Zambales, Philippines — Authorities have arrested a Mongolian national on suspicion of espionage during a coordinated operation in Iba, Zambales, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced, and raising serious national security concerns.
The arrest took place on February 12, 2026, at an aviation school in Barangay Lipay Dingin, where agents from the BI Intelligence Division–Special Response Team, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement and intelligence units, apprehended the 30-year-old suspect, identified as Boldbaatar Bold-Erdene.
Officials allege that Bold-Erdene — who was enrolled as a pilot student — engaged in activities that posed a potential threat to Philippine national security and public safety. Intelligence reports suggest that he has a background as a jet fighter pilot with training connections abroad, and may have failed to disclose his full military and aviation credentials in his visa and permit applications.
During flight training at the aviation school, the suspect reportedly carried out aerial photography of Iba Airport and surrounding areas, including the nearby Palauig River, roughly five nautical miles from the airfield — actions authorities viewed as inconsistent with his declared study purposes.
BI officials described the arrest as part of ongoing efforts to prevent foreign nationals from engaging in activities that exceed the scope of their immigration status and could compromise the country’s security interests. Bold-Erdene was declared an undesirable alien by the BI and is now facing deportation proceedings.
Following the arrest, Bold-Erdene was transported to the Bureau of Immigration Main Office in Manila for booking, medical examination, and biometric processing. He is currently detained at the BI’s warden facility pending formal deportation.
Authorities reiterated that foreign nationals must strictly comply with visa conditions and Philippine immigration laws — particularly those involving sensitive activities near government facilities or infrastructure.
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