The Philippine Navy is investigating a remotely operated submersible drone, suspected to be of Chinese origin, recovered by local fishermen off the coast of San Pascual, Masbate earlier this week.
The discovery underscored the critical role of community vigilance in safeguarding the country’s maritime domain, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad.
Authorities confirmed that three fishermen found the drone near Barangay Iniwaran at around 6:15 a.m. on Monday, December 30. The device, marked “HY-119,” is believed to be part of a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system.
The drone is reportedly capable of transmitting data, voice messages, and navigation information between underwater vessels, surface units, and satellites.
After its hand over to barangay officials and municipal police, the drone was delivered to the Philippine Navy for further investigation
Trinidad commended the vigilance of local fisherfolk and maritime stakeholders in reporting the suspicious find.
“The AFP is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of our maritime domain, with all necessary resources mobilized to address similar and other situations with the utmost diligence,” he said in a statement.
Authorities are still determining how long the device remained in Philippine waters and its potential implications for national security.
