AFP checking another sea ‘drone’ found off Bohol

AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad. —File photo by John Eric Mendoza | INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines is investigating the reported discovery of an unidentified piece of equipment in the waters off Bohol province, similar to the drones discovered in other parts of the Philippines.

A video circulating on Facebook showed what appeared to be an underwater drone with silver and red color, covered in barnacles.

“All appropriate AFP units and forces, particularly the Naval Forces Central, are actively coordinating and working together to gather details and ascertain the nature of this incident,” Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said in a statement on Wednesday night.

Finder notified

“We urge the individual who discovered the equipment and posted it on social media to immediately coordinate with the nearest military or naval units to ensure the proper handling and disposition of the item,” he added.

According to him, the military remains committed to national security and calls on the public to remain vigilant.

“We encourage everyone to participate in safeguarding our nation by promptly reporting any suspicious activities or discoveries to the proper authorities, including the AFP,” he said.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said last week that the Navy was able to recover five drones last year, including one with Chinese markings off San Pascual town in Masbate province on Dec. 30.

Two of the four other drones were found on the island municipality of Calayan, Cagayan province, while the rest were discovered in Pasuquin town, Ilocos Norte province, and Initao town, Misamis Oriental province.

Trinidad said the United States was helping the Philippines in the forensic analysis of recovered drones.