Underwater drone recovered in Masbate

MANILA, Philippines — An underwater drone believed to be from China was recovered in the waters off San Pascual, Masbate on Monday, the Bicol police reported yesterday.

The drone was found by three fishermen near the coast of Barangay Iniwaran at around 6:15 a.m.

The area is located nine kilometers away from the town proper, police said.

The fishermen turned over the drone to barangay officials, who brought the device to the municipal police.

The drone was marked HY-119, which reportedly refers to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system.

The device reportedly enables underwater vessels or devices to communicate with surface units or satellites.

It also transmits and receives data, voice messages and navigation information.

Authorities have yet to determine how long the drone has been in Philippine territorial waters before it was found by the fishermen.