AFP assures probe of alleged China underwater drone found in Masbate

January 2, 2025 , 05:43 PM

By Rodolfo Dacleson II

(January 2, 2025) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday confirmed the turnover of an underwater drone allegedly owned by China in the coastal waters of Masbate.

On Monday, fisherfolk recovered the missile-like drone floating on the coast of San Pascual, according to police officers. It had Chinese markings and reportedly went undetected because of its “frequency hopping capability.”

The AFP said the Philippine Navy is investigating the drone’s origin and purpose.

“The AFP is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of our maritime domain, with all necessary resources mobilized to address similar and other situations with the utmost diligence,” said the AFP in a statement.

Drones are commonly used for naval operations, including communications, underwater surveillance, and oceanographic research.

The AFP also noted the importance of working with fisherfolk and maritime stakeholders in safeguarding the Philippines’ territories.

“We (AFP) commend their vigilance and continued support in reporting suspicious activities and encourage ongoing cooperation to ensure the effective monitoring of our territorial waters,” added the AFP.

China has yet to comment regarding the matter, as of writing.

The Philippines and China have been involved in several maritime incidents over the past few years due to territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

Since Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. assumed the presidency, the country has filed 193 diplomatic protests against China. He urged the AFP to never be provoked by China’s bullying tactics, reiterating that the Philippines has no business “instigating a war.”

China, however, has ignored the diplomatic protests and has remained aggressive against the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

In a landmark ruling in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration favored the right to sovereignty of the Philippines in the disputed waters and dismissed China’s so-called nine-dash line.

(With reports from Bryan Castillo, News5)

(PM)

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