A submarine drone, believed to be owned by China, was uncovered in the waters of Brgy. Inawaran, San Pascual in Masbate on December 30.
According to Philippine National Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) Director PBGen. Andre Dizon, the drone was discovered by several local fishermen in the area.
Based on their accounts, the drone was seen floating vertically in the sea while they were fishing.
The six-foot drone, made of PVC and metal, is suspected to be a remote-controlled electronic device.
Initial findings suggest that the said drone is one of the devices from China, likely used for communication and navigation purposes.
"Nag-research din 'yung mga police natin sa Masbate, ang nakuha sa internet 'yun po na Chinese underwater navigation and communication system ang inisyal na nakita nila sa open source na internet," PBGen. Dizon said in an exclusive interview with DZRH.
However, authorities clarified that the drone found was already deactivated. They are also examining indications to determine whether the device is still operational, but the results have been negative.
According to Dizon, the drone could have been launched from the eastern seaboard of the country and was probably headed towards the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino emphasized the need to investigate the submarine drone. Although surveillance efforts in the country were anticipated, he maintained that an investigation remains necessary.
He further mentioned that studying the drone would be easy, as the country's engineers have the capacity to conduct reverse engineering.
Tolentino stressed that these types of unmanned machinery must follow the country's designated and existing sea lanes.
"Yung Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law, ito po ay nagsasaad na 'pag mayroong papasok na mga vessels galing sa ibang bansa doon dadaan. Ganon din po 'yung mga sasakyang panghimpapawid," Senator Tolentino stated.
"Ngayon ang question niyan kung kasali po ba ang mga ganitong uri. Halimbawa po drone," he added.
Furthermore, if the device was indeed from another country, it must adhere to the relevant provisions of the law.
The device has been handed over to the Philippine Navy for a more in-depth investigation.
