On Sunday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the detention of a citizen of Mongolia in the city of Iba, located in Zambales province. This became known from a journalistic investigation conducted by MiddleAsianNews, which indicated that the suspect may have been involved in espionage activities.
The detention of 30-year-old Bold-Erdene Boldbaatar, a graduate of a pilot school, occurred on February 12 at an aviation school located in the village of Lipay Dingin.
The arrest was the result of joint actions by the operational group of the Bureau of Immigration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies, after this citizen was recognized as an "undesirable foreigner" and posed a threat to public safety.
According to official information, Bold-Erdene is already a qualified pilot and is believed to be connected to intelligence structures.
The Bureau of Immigration noted that during training flights, the suspect may have conducted aerial photography of Iba Airport and the nearby area of the Palauig River, located five nautical miles from the airport.
“The Philippines will not allow its educational institutions to be used for activities that may threaten national security,” said representatives of the Bureau of Immigration.
The statement also emphasized that “immigration laws clearly stipulate that foreigners are required to strictly adhere to the conditions of their stay in the country.”
After the detention, Bold-Erdene was transferred to the main office of the Bureau of Immigration in Manila for the processing of necessary documents, medical examination, and biometric processing.
He was subsequently moved to a correctional facility of the Bureau of Immigration pending deportation.
