National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Tuesday the government remains steadfast in safeguarding national security following the arrest of a Mongolian national in Zambales for alleged immigration violations.

Authorities apprehended the individual after discovering he concealed a military background while enrolled as an aviation student in the Philippines. According to Año, the man failed to disclose prior service with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including holding a jet fighter license from the PLA Air Force Aviation University.

The non-disclosure constitutes a serious violation of Philippine immigration laws, Año said in a statement. He noted the individual’s presence in Zambales, near vital military locations, was clearly inconsistent with his declared purpose of stay.

Also, the National Security Council commended the Bureau of Immigration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency for the operation.

While the Philippines maintains an open policy toward foreign students and aviation trainees, Año stressed that transparency and compliance with visa conditions are non-negotiable.

He warned that any act of misrepresentation or concealment that compromises national security will be dealt with firmly.

“Attempts to exploit the country’s openness or operate against national interests will be detected, disrupted, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Año said.

The Security chief urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, such as unexplained aerial activity near sensitive areas or unusual behavior inconsistent with a visitor’s declared purpose.