ZAMBALES — The Bureau of Immigration has arrested a Mongolian national suspected of espionage in Zambales, the bureau said Boldbaatar Bold-Erdene, 30, was apprehended on February 12 at an aviation academy in Barangay Lipay Dingin, Iba, Zambales.

According to authorities, intelligence records show that Bold-Erdene is a highly trained pilot with an extensive military background. He is a graduate of the Defense University of Mongolia and the Civil Aviation University of China, obtained a jet fighter pilot license from the People’s Liberation Army Air Force Aviation University, and previously served as a soldier with fighter aircraft combat experience.

The arrest raised alarms due to Zambales’ strategic location near the West Philippine Sea. Bold-Erdene’s training activities in Iba are roughly 120 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), a disputed maritime area under Chinese control.

The investigation reportedly intensified after Bold-Erdene conducted unauthorized reconnaissance during solo flight exercises. Surveillance footage and seized data show he took aerial photographs of Iba Airport and the nearby Palauig River area, approximately five nautical miles from the airport. Authorities noted that Palauig is the Philippine municipality closest to the disputed shoal, raising concerns he may have used his student pilot status to conduct surveillance.

The bureau has classified Bold-Erdene as an undesirable alien for allegedly violating the Philippine Immigration Act by engaging in activities inconsistent with his visa and Special Study Permit. He is also accused of entering the country through fraud or misrepresentation by not disclosing his prior military service and fighter aviation training.

Bold-Erdene was transported to the Bureau of Immigration Main Office in Manila for booking, medical examination, and biometric processing. He is currently held at the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility pending formal deportation proceedings and further investigation into possible foreign intelligence links.