Navy to probe underwater drone found in Masbate

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine Navy has taken custody of an underwater drone that was recovered in the waters off Masbate early this week.

The Navy said it would look into how the drone, believed to have come from China, reached Philippine waters.

The drone, which was found by three fishermen in the waters off Barangay Iniwaran in San Pascual town on Monday, bore the marking HY-119.

The remotely operated device reportedly enables underwater vessels or equipment to communicate with surface units or satellites. It is reportedly capable of transmitting and receiving data, voice messages and navigation information.

The Navy said it would conduct a thorough investigation to determine the origin and use of the drone.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirms the turnover of a remotely operated submersible drone from the Philippine National Police  to the Philippine Navy,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad told journalists yesterday.

Trinidad said the recovery of the underwater device shows the importance of collaboration between local fisherfolk and maritime stakeholders.

“We commend their vigilance and continued support in reporting suspicious activities. We encourage ongoing cooperation to ensure effective monitoring of our territorial waters,” he said.

Trinidad said the AFP is committed to ensure the safety and security of the country’s maritime domain.

He said all necessary resources are being mobilized to address similar and other situations.