Mongolian 'spy' arrested in Zambales to be deported

The deportation case against the suspected Mongolian "spy" arrested in Iba, Zambales is already being processed, according to Raffy Tima’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday.

The foreigner, who enrolled as a student in an aviation school, was arrested a week ago by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Nakakuha po tayo ng impormasyon na kumuha siya ng mga aerial photos doon po sa Zambales area. Alam po natin na itong area ay malapit sa contested areas between China and the Philippines so ito po ay mga actions na nakikita natin na mukhang leading to espionage,” said BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval.

(We received information that he took aerial photos in the Zambales area. We are aware that this area is near the contested territories between China and the Philippines, so these are actions that we see as appearing to lead to espionage.)

Based on the information secured by the AFP, the Mongolian citizen is a jet fighter pilot for China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

He also finished jet fighter training from PLA Air Force Aviation University, according to National Security adviser Eduardo Año.

Following the incident, the PNP will beef up its security measures and information gathering against foreigners who are possibly involved in spying in the country.

The Mongolian "spy" is currently detained at BI’s custodial facility while the investigation is ongoing. The BI said the foreigner, however, denied the allegations against him.

“Nais nating malaman kung siya lang ba mag-isa gumagawa nito or kung meron siyang ibang kasamahan din na gumagawa ng similar activities,” said Sandoval.

(We want to find out if he is doing this alone or if he has other associates performing similar activities.)

During a hearing by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, some agencies in charge of screening foreign students were called out.

For its part, the Commission on Higher Education said there is an interagency committee checking on the applications.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) saidthere were restricted nationals who underwent thorough processes such as Chinese and Indians.

But the DFA admitted that there are limitations.

“Ano'ng nangyari doon sa nahuli na Mongolian daw na sinasabi ng mga otoridad natin ay espiya daw. Papano po nakalusot yun?” Senator Erwin Tulfo asked.

(What happened regarding the apprehended Mongolian national who our authorities allege is a spy? How did he manage to slip through?)

“Yung specific case na yun.. Mongolia I think is not covered by a restriction,” said DFA Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim.

A total of six Chinese citizens were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration and the AFP last year due to suspected spying. Among them is a Chinese national caught near the Comelec office carrying a surveillance device.

The BI is encouraging the public to give information on foreigners doing illegal activities in the Philippines.  — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News