Police said on Thursday that a submarine drone believed to be from China had been spotted off the coast of the central Philippines, warning of “potential national security implications.”
Three fishermen spotted the drone Monday about nine miles off the coast of San Pascual in Masbate province, according to a police report.
The Philippines and China have long been at odds over maritime rights and possession of reefs and islets in the South China Sea.
China claims almost all of the sea, ignoring competing claims by other countries and international rulings that say China’s claims have no legal basis.
The yellow drone, marked HY-119, was found floating at sea before being handed over to authorities, regional police chief Andre Dizon told AFP.
It was about six feet long and shaped like a torpedo with fins.
“Based on open source research on the internet…HY-119 refers to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system,” Dizon said.
“It has an antenna and an eye that can be used for observation. According to our research, this can be used for surveillance and reconnaissance.”
Dizon said the drone was not armed, but the police report cited “potential national security implications” as one of the importance of recovering the drone.
Dizon added that it was handed over to the Philippine Navy by police on Tuesday.
The Philippine Navy and the Chinese embassy in Manila have not yet responded to AFP’s requests for comment.
Tensions and military clashes have escalated in the South China Sea in recent months. In December, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel was assisted by a naval vessel. fired a powerful water cannon It intercepted a Philippine patrol boat and caused it to skid. In a social media post, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Mary Kay Carlson accused the Chinese government of interfering with Philippine maritime operations and “putting lives at risk.”
Aaron Fabila/NTF-WPS (via AP)
Also last month, the Philippine military sent naval vessels and air force planes to track down a Russian submarine that passed through the South China Sea. One official said the Navy was surprised to see the ship. “It’s a very unique submarine.”
The US has warned that We have a duty to protect the Philippines. If the Philippine military is attacked in the South China Sea.
