Mongolian ‘spy’ arrested in Zambales not linked to China, says embassy

The Chinese Embassy said Sunday that the Mongolian national arrested in Iba, Zambales has no connection with the Chinese government.

“To the best of our knowledge, this individual has no affiliation with China,” the embassy’s deputy spokesperson said in a statement.

The official also cautioned against drawing conclusions while the investigation is ongoing, saying that “prejudging the matter before the facts are fully ascertained is fundamentally flawed and runs counter to basic principles of objectivity.”

Authorities have initiated deportation proceedings against the foreigner.

According to information obtained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Mongolian citizen is allegedly a jet fighter pilot of China’s People’s Liberation Army and had completed training at the PLA Air Force Aviation University.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año earlier disclosed the details of the suspect’s purported military background.

The foreign national is currently detained at the custodial facility of the Bureau of Immigration while the investigation continues.

Immigration authorities said he has denied the allegations against him.—MCG, GMA Integrated News