The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) raised alarms over the recent discovery of submersible drones in various parts of the country.
According to Philippine Navy (PN) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the underwater drone found in Masbate last December was the fifth discovery of its kind.
On December 30, local fishermen recovered a submarine drone marked "HY-119," which was initially thought to have originated from China.
Based on the accounts of witnesses, the drone was seen floating vertically in the sea. The six-foot device, made of PVC and metal, is believed to be a remote-controlled electronic gadget.
While forensic analysis of the equipment and its origin is still underway, Trinidad voiced concerns that these devices might be intended for military use.
The examination and identification of the origin and purpose of the instruments turned over by fishermen to the Navy will take six to eight weeks.
Previously, the Navy recorded the discovery of two submarine drones, or their components, in Calayan Island in the north, one in Ilocos Norte, and another in the waters of Misamis.
Of the five submarine drones mentioned, Trinidad disclosed that forensic analysis on the device found in Calayan has been completed.
