PNP ordered to strengthen intelligence drive after Mongolian ‘spy’ arrest

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday ordered its units to monitor and "neutralize" potential espionage activities following the arrest of a Mongolian aviation student for alleged espionage-linked activities.

“The safety and security of our nation remain our top priority. We must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and neutralizing any threats, especially those involving espionage. Every police unit is tasked to stay alert and act swiftly to protect our national interests,” PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

Nartatez said the PNP would collaborate with other concerned agencies to safeguard Filipinos from any form of threats.

“We are committed to strengthening cooperation with all relevant agencies to ensure that any threats to our people are detected early and effectively neutralized,” he said.

The 30-year-old student was apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration in Iba, Zambales, after being tagged as an undesirable alien for posing a risk to public interest and safety.

According to the BI, the Mongolian took photographs of Iba Airport and the nearby Palauig River area during flight exercises.

The BI and National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said the Mongolian national is linked to the People’s Liberation Army of China.

“The said foreign national who enrolled as an aviation student concealed his military background and service with the People’s Liberation Army, especially his jet fighter license from the PLA Air Force Aviation University,” Año said in a statement. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News