‘He’s Not Ours’: China Denies Any Link to Mongolian Student Pilot Arrested for Espionage in Zambales
The Chinese Embassy in Manila is distancing itself from a 30-year-old Mongolian student pilot arrested in Zambales on February 12 for alleged espionage activities — despite the suspect reportedly holding a jet fighter license from a People’s Liberation Army Air Force university in China.
‘To the best of our knowledge, this individual has no affiliation with China,’ said embassy deputy spokesman Guo Wei, calling any insinuations ‘fundamentally flawed’ and warning against prejudging the case before facts are fully established.
The Bureau of Immigration, working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other intelligence agencies, arrested the Mongolian at an aviation school in Barangay Lipay Dingin, Iba, Zambales. During flight exercises, the suspect allegedly took photos of Iba airport and the nearby Palauig River area — raising red flags with military intelligence.
‘The Philippines will not allow its institutions, including civilian training facilities, to be used for activities that may compromise national security,’ the BI said in a firm statement. The suspect has been brought to the BI Main Office in Manila for processing and will be held pending deportation proceedings.
Whether the Mongolian was truly acting on behalf of a foreign power or just a curious student with a suspicious background, the case highlights the Philippines’ heightened vigilance on national security. Parang spy movie — pero totoo!
Source: The Manila Times
