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Origin of recovered drone off Masbate involves nat'l security

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno and Wilnard Bacelonia
January 3, 2025, 2:23 pm Updated on January 3, 2025, 7:13 pm

MANILA -- The National Security Council (NSC) stressed the urgent need to find out the origin of the submersible drone recovered in Masbate, citing its possible implications on national security.

"Inaalam talaga natin iyong puno't, dulo nito kasi meron itong (We are are investigating everything as this has) national security implications. Very obviously, ang (this) drone is used for reconnaissance and surveillance. So, it's imperative for the Philippines to determine kung saan ito nanggaling at ano ang ginagawa nito sa ating (where it came from and what it is doing inside our) archipelagic waters," NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing Friday.

Malaya said there is no "definitive result" yet that the drone came from China.

The submersible drone was recovered by fisherfolk in the waters of San Pascual, Masbate on Dec. 30.

It was immediately turned over to the police, who then handed it over to the Philippine Navy the following day.

Malaya said the investigation will determine the specific features of the drone and where it could have originated.

Aside from this, he said they are checking the vessels that they have monitored in the area.

The NSC is coordinating with its foreign counterparts to get additional information on the recovered drone.

Senate probe

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino will file a resolution seeking a comprehensive inquiry into the discovery of the submersible drone.

"This inquiry aims to uncover the origins and purpose of the drone's presence in Philippine waters. Understanding its intent is critical," Tolentino said in a news release.

Tolentino said "while surveillance efforts are expected, thorough investigation is essential."

At the same time, he expressed confidence in the ability of Philippine engineers to reverse-engineer the device if necessary.

The senator highlighted the relevance of existing laws, including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law, which require foreign vessels to use designated sea lanes within Philippine waters.

Police Regional Office-Bicol Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon initially said the six-foot-long drone is of Chinese origin that is used for underwater navigation and communication.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted that the drone's bright color might indicate its purpose, as such colors are typically associated with scientific research or fish-tracking devices. (PNA)