THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday confirmed the receipt of a Chinese sea drone after it was turned over by the Philippine National Police (PNP) stationed in the coastal village of Inawaran in San Pascual, Masbate, shortly after it was discovered by Filipino fishermen.
The AFP in a statement confirmed the turnover of a remotely operated submersible drone from the PNP to the Philippine Navy.
Initial reports said the sea drone with Chinese character markings was discovered on Dec. 30, 2024, by Rodnie Valenzuela, 30, a resident of Sitio K-Brada Barangay Inarawan, San Pascual, Masbate, and two companions, while they were fishing about 9 kilometers from the coast. The device was retrieved and brought ashore.
SUBMERSIBLE The drone found off San Pascual, Masbate by fishermen. PHOTO COURTESY OF PNP
Shortly after the discovery of the drone, Valenzuela together with barangay officials went to the San Pascual Municipal Police Station to report the incident.
Valenzuela and the group eventually turned over the unidentified object to the authorities.
The AFP said the Navy is conducting further investigation to determine its origin and purpose.
“This incident underscores the importance of collaboration with local fisherfolk and maritime stakeholders. We commend their vigilance and continued support in reporting suspicious activities and encourage ongoing cooperation to ensure the effective monitoring of our territorial waters,” Col. Xexes Trinidad, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, said.
“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.
Authorities are now coordinating with maritime experts and national agencies to determine the nature of the object and whether it poses any security concerns.
Initial assessments suggest that the drone may be of Chinese origin, potentially used for underwater navigation and communication purposes. Philippine National Police Regional Office-5 Director PBGen. Andre Dizon noted that preliminary research indicates the device resembles Chinese underwater navigation and communication systems.
The discovery has raised questions regarding its origin and purpose, leaving the local community both curious and uneasy. Residents are speculating about the potential origins of the object, with some suggesting it could be linked to military operations or advanced research activities. Local officials have urged calm while investigations are underway.
In an interview, Sen. Francis Tolentino emphasized the need to investigate the submarine drone, stating that while surveillance efforts in the country were anticipated, an investigation remains necessary. He said the country’s engineers have the capacity to conduct reverse engineering on the submersible. He also said that such unmanned machinery must follow the country’s designated and existing sea lanes.
The unidentified submarine drone’s presence in Philippine waters raised questions about maritime security and surveillance.
Authorities have assured the public that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This incident is not isolated, as similar discoveries have occurred in the past. In January 2013, fishermen found a suspected American drone floating off Masbate Island, which was later identified as a BQM-74E drone marked “Navy.”
SUBMERSIBLE The drone found off San Pascual, Masbate by fishermen. PHOTO COURTESY OF PNP
In December 2014, a US Navy drone washed up on a Philippine beach, which the US Embassy in Manila confirmed as a target drone from Guam.
The Philippines and China have for years clashed over maritime rights in the South China Sea as well as possession of reefs and islets.
China claims almost the entire sea, brushing off rival claims from other countries and an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
The yellow drone marked “HY-119,” was found floating at sea before being turned over to authorities, regional police director Andre Dizon said.
It was about two meters long, and torpedo-shaped with fins.
“Based on our open-source research in the internet … HY-119 refers to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system,” Dizon said.
“It has an antenna and an eye that can be used for viewing. Based on our research, this can be used for monitoring and reconnaissance.”
Dizon said the drone was not armed, but the police report listed “potential national security implications” as one significance of its recovery.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to respond to requests for comment. WITH AFP
