Spy Game sa Zambales: Mongolian Aviation Student Busted for Alleged Espionage Near Iba Airport
Parang movie na — a 30-year-old Mongolian national studying at an aviation school in Zambales has been arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for alleged espionage activities, in one of the more jarring national security busts in recent memory. The suspect, identified as Boldbaatar Bold-Erdene, was nabbed on February 12 at an aviation school in Barangay Lipay Dingin in Iba, Zambales, by operatives of the BI's Intelligence and Special Response Team, with backup from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
According to the BI, the Mongolian national was not just an ordinary student. Officials said that during his flight training exercises, Boldbaatar allegedly conducted aerial photography of Iba Airport and the nearby Palauig River area — a location approximately five nautical miles from the airport. The activities were flagged as highly suspicious, particularly given the proximity to sensitive infrastructure. Intelligence reports further alleged that Boldbaatar had graduated as a jet fighter pilot with suspected affiliation to the Chinese government — a claim that sent alarm bells ringing among security officials.
The BI tagged Boldbaatar as an "undesirable alien" whose continued presence posed risks to public interest and national safety. His arrest came after intelligence information was shared and acted upon swiftly. The suspect, who had been on the verge of completing his aviation studies, is now detained at the BI's Warden Facility in Manila while deportation proceedings are underway. Grabe ang galing — from flight student to suspected foreign spy in one fell swoop.
National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya welcomed the arrest, saying it was proof that the Philippines is serious about defending its sovereign territory and protecting national security. He praised the BI and AFP for their swift, coordinated action, and noted that the case was a clear reminder of the ever-present threat of foreign intelligence operations on Philippine soil. The government also said the case would serve as a strong deterrent to other foreign nationals who might be entertaining similar activities.
The BI issued a stern warning to all foreign nationals in the Philippines: those found engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa status — especially those with national security implications — will face immediate legal action. The Zambales espionage case comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. Authorities have not ruled out further investigations into the suspect's network of contacts. Abangan ang susunod na kabanata — dahil hindi pa tapos ang kwentong ito. Source: Manila Bulletin, PhilNews.ph, GMA News Online, Philstar.com
