National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding national security following the arrest of a Mongolian national in Zambales for alleged immigration violations and activities deemed inconsistent with his declared purpose of stay.
Agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Boldbaatar Bold-Erdene at an aviation school in Barangay Lipay Dingin, Iba, Zambales.
The operation was conducted by the BI Intelligence Division with support from the 69th Infantry Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The arrest was carried out in coordination with the AFP, the Philippine National Police, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.
Authorities said the suspect, who was enrolled as an aviation student, allegedly concealed his prior military background, including reported service with the People’s Liberation Army and training at the PLA Air Force Aviation University, where he supposedly obtained a jet fighter pilot license.
Año said the failure to disclose such background constitutes a serious violation of Philippine immigration laws.
He added that the individual’s reported activities in Zambales—near key military installations—were inconsistent with his declared purpose of stay.
Intelligence reports indicated that during flight exercises, the suspect allegedly conducted aerial photography of Iba Airport and the nearby Palauig River area, about five nautical miles from the airport.
The BI tagged the foreign national as an undesirable alien, citing risks to public interest and safety, and said he may have affiliations with the Chinese government.
“The Philippines maintains an open and welcoming policy towards foreign students and aviation trainees. However, transparency, compliance with visa conditions, and adherence to Philippine laws are non-negotiable,” Año said.
He warned that acts of misrepresentation or concealment that could compromise national security would be dealt with firmly.
The BI echoed the stance, saying foreign nationals engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa status, particularly those with national security implications, would face immediate action.
“The Philippines will not allow its institutions, including civilian training facilities, to be used for activities that may compromise national security,” the bureau said.
“Our immigration laws are clear—foreign nationals must strictly adhere to the conditions of their stay.”
Año urged the public to report suspicious activities, including unexplained aerial movements near military or sensitive sites, misrepresentation of identity, or behavior inconsistent with declared purposes.
The NSA assured the public that the government would continue strengthening coordination among intelligence, immigration, aviation, and law enforcement agencies to detect and deter threats to national security.
