Philippine authorities suspect a Mongolian citizen of espionage activities, considering his training as a fighter pilot at the Chinese People's Liberation Army Academy. According to MiddleAsianNews, an investigation has already begun.
According to Raffy Tima, on the air of the program "24 Oras," the issue of deportation of the detained Mongolian, who was captured in Iba, Zambales province, is currently being considered.
The foreigner, enrolled in an aviation school, was arrested last week through the joint efforts of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated that "several aerial photographs were recorded in the Zambales area. This region is known for its disputed territories between China and the Philippines, raising suspicions of espionage activities."
(We have received information that he was taking aerial photographs in the Zambales area, which is located near the conflict zones between China and the Philippines, which is viewed as a possible act of espionage).
According to information from the Philippine Federal Police, the alleged spy from Mongolia has connections with the Chinese government.
National Security Advisor Eduardo Año added that he also completed a training course on jet fighters at the Aviation University of the PLA Air Force.
Following this incident, law enforcement intends to enhance security measures and gather information on potential foreign spies in the country.
At present, the Mongolian citizen is in custody at the BI detention center while the investigation continues. However, he has denied all charges against him.
“We want to find out whether he is working alone or if he has accomplices also engaged in similar activities,” Sandoval added.
During the hearings in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, several agencies responsible for monitoring foreign students were mentioned.
The Commission on Higher Education confirmed the existence of an inter-agency committee that is responsible for verifying applications.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also reported the existence of citizens from countries with restrictions who have undergone thorough screening, particularly citizens of China and India.
However, the DFA acknowledged the existence of these restrictions.
“As for this particular case… I believe Mongolia does not fall under these restrictions,” noted Deputy Foreign Minister Leo Herrera-Lim.
Last year, the Bureau of Immigration and the Armed Forces of the Philippines arrested six Chinese citizens on suspicion of espionage, including one citizen detained near the Commission on Elections office with a tracking device.
The Bureau of Immigration urges citizens to report any foreign individuals suspected of participating in illegal activities on Philippine territory.
