Mongolian pilot student arrested in Zambales over alleged 'spy' activities

A Mongolian pilot student was arrested in Iba, Zambales, on 12 February 2026 during a joint inter-agency security operation over alleged immigration violations and suspected espionage activities.

The Bureau of Immigration, Armed Forces of the Philippines, ISAF, Philippine National Police and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-Region 3 carried out the operation in Barangay Lipay Dingin.

Authorities identified the suspect as Bold-Erdene Boldbaatar, 30, a pilot student at All Asia Aviation Academy in Iba. He was apprehended for alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws and for posing what authorities described as a threat to national security, public safety and national interest.

Officials said Boldbaatar violated conditions of his stay and allegedly entered the country through fraud or misrepresentation. He was reportedly engaging in activities inconsistent with the purpose of his visa and Special Study Permit.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly failed to disclose his military affiliation and aviation combat training in his visa and SSP application.

Records showed that Boldbaatar graduated from the Defense University of Mongolia and the Civil Aviation University of China. Authorities added that he obtained a license as a jet fighter pilot from the PLA Air Force Aviation University and served as a soldier with fighter aircraft experience.

He reportedly enrolled in a Philippine flying school under a Special Study Permit, acquiring what authorities described as dual-use aviation skills that could be applied to surveillance or military operations.

Security officials noted that his training activities in Iba are about 120 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, a disputed maritime area between the Philippines and China.

During solo flight training, the suspect allegedly captured aerial photographs of Iba Airport and the Palauig River, which authorities said could indicate unauthorized reconnaissance activities.

Officials described the arrest as a result of whole-of-government coordination to detect and disrupt possible foreign intelligence operations.

Authorities said the suspect’s alleged concealment of his military background, presence in a sensitive aviation training environment and reported aerial reconnaissance activities raised serious national security concerns.

Further investigation is ongoing.