Senators examined Wednesday the implications of the submersible drone recovered off the coast of Masbate last December, with Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino assuring that the findings will pave the way for actionable steps, including potential amendments to maritime laws.
During a public inquiry by the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, Tolentino raised concerns about the drone’s origin, purpose, and implications for national security.
He asked whether the device is considered sovereign property, if it should be returned, and if its presence constitutes an incursion by a foreign nation.
“There may be many more such devices in our waters that we are unaware of. I believe this will result in circulars from BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) guiding our fishermen on how to handle these devices with caution,” Tolentino said.
The senator emphasized that analysis of the drone is crucial for the Philippine Navy and other relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Justice and Department of Foreign Affairs, for appropriate actions.
The Senate inquiry also recognized the bravery of Masbate fishermen who retrieved the device. One of them, Rodney Valenzuela, recounted how he and his companions initially mistook the floating object for a fishing buoy before realizing its unusual nature.
The drone, marked with “HY-119,” was brought ashore and handed over to local authorities. Despite fears that it might be a bomb, the fishermen relied on their instincts and managed to retrieve the equipment without any formal training, Tolentino said.
Meanwhile, Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad disclosed that five similar submersible drones have been recovered in Philippine waters.
These include devices retrieved in Calayan Island, Ilocos Norte, Misamis Oriental, and the most recent in Masbate. While the Navy assured the public that the discoveries are not alarming, they encouraged continued vigilance.
“We were not alarmed when it was first reported to us—the fifth one—because we already had four previously, but we are concerned. We are concerned about its presence in our EEZ (exclusive economic zone), so we are giving it proper attention,” Trinidad said in Tagalog.
“We also appeal to our fisherfolk. First, we thank them for their vigilance in our oceans; second, we call on fishermen to remain watchful and report anything unusual,” the Navy official added in a recent interview.
Tolentino filed a Senate resolution to determine whether the incident necessitates amending existing laws, strengthening enforcement, or integrating such occurrences into the country’s national security framework.