MANILA, Philippines — Five underwater drones were recovered in various parts of the country last year, according to Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad.
Among the five drones, Trinidad said the latest was found on December 30 in the waters of San Pascual, Masbate.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported last January 2 that this drone bore Chinese markings and was subjected to further investigation.
“The five that were given to us for forensics. Two were found in Calayan Island; one in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; the most recent one in Masbate; and another one in the waters of Initao, Misamis Oriental,” Trinidad revealed in a press conference on Tuesday.
He, however, did not disclose the dates authorities recovered the four other drones, but said they were also surrendered to the police by local fishermen.
Trinidad explained that the devices were “difficult to detect” when underwater but become visible on the surface, adding that these are small in size, only about “2.5 to 3.5 meters in length.”
Based on police reports, the underwater drone found in Masbate was discovered by a 30-year-old fisherman identified as Rodnie Valenzuela, along with two unnamed individuals.
Valenzuela was accompanied by barangay officials when he turned over the drone to the San Pascual police.
Following this report, the Armed Forces of the Philippines committed to ensuring the safety and security of the country’s maritime domain.