Philippines detains Mongolian pilot over connection to China

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Philippines detained a Mongolian pilot over his background of training from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), according to the official news wire Philippine News Agency.

"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," National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Such non-disclosure constitutes a serious violation of Philippine immigration laws. Moreover, his presence and actions in Zambales near vital military locations are clearly inconsistent with his purpose of stay in the country," he added.

Thirty-year-old Mongolian national Bold-Erdene Boldbaatar, who was enrolled as an aviation student in the Philippines, was arrested last week.

He is accused of taking aerial photographs of Iba Airport and the Palauig River area during his solo flight exercises.