We're still looking into origin of underwater drone found in Masbate -NSC

The National Security Council (NSC) of the Philippines said on Friday that authorities were still determining the origin of an underwater drone recovered off Masbate.

“It could have come from anywhere. Kaya ang ginagawa natin ngayon ay dine-determine natin yung drone na ito. Saan ba ito nanggaling? Ano yung mga specifics nito? Ano yung mga na-monitor nating mga vessels na dumaan diyan sa lugar na ‘yan? Para ma-determine natin kung saan talaga nanggaling,” said NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(Drones can come from anywhere. We are currently identifying the drone’s origin, the specific details, and the vessels that may have passed through the area where it was found.)

“As of now, ang imbestigasyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines ay ongoing pa at hindi pa natin masasabi kung ang drone na ito ay nanggaling sa isang partikular na bansa,” added Malaya. 

(The Armed Forces of the Philippines was looking into the matter. Currently, we cannot confirm whether the drone originated from a specific country.)

The 2.72-meter-long drone was discovered by fishermen on December 30, floating in the waters of San Pascual. 

The Bicol Region police’s explosive ordnance disposal team promptly examined the device. Initial findings indicated that the drone was an underwater navigation and communication system.

A security analyst noted that it would not be surprising if a foreign country used such devices for military operations. 

However, the Philippine Navy suggested that the yellow coloring of the drone could indicate it was designed for research purposes.

Despite this, the NSC underscored the potential security implications of the device, regardless of its intended use. 

“Itong drone na ito is used for reconnaissance and surveillance, so it’s imperative for the Philippines to determine kung saan ito nanggaling at kung ano ang ginagawa nito sa ating archipelagic waters.”

(This drone is used for reconnaissance and surveillance, which makes it critical for the Philippines to determine its origin and purpose within our archipelagic waters.)

The NSC is also coordinating with international counterparts to gather more information.

“Kasi kung lalabas dito na it comes from a certain country at ang ginagawa niya ay ilegal, we can say and make a conclusion,” said Malaya when asked if the drone could have violated Philippine territorial laws.

(If it is confirmed that this drone originated from a specific country and was used for illegal activities, we can draw the necessary conclusions.)

He also emphasized concerns over the drone's location.

“Kasi ang nakakabahala nito ay more or less nasa archipelagic waters ng ating bansa, kasi nasa loob siya, nasa Masbate area siya.” 

(What’s alarming is that it was found within the archipelagic waters of our country, specifically in the Masbate area.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News