Philippines Recovers Suspected Chinese Drone

A suspected Chinese drone was recovered by fisherfolk in Masbate province on December 30, sparking concerns over national security. According to Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, the drone was found to be "non-operational" when it was recovered.

The drone, which bears the markings "HY-119", is currently undergoing forensic analysis, which is expected to last six to eight weeks. Trinidad described the drone as bright yellow in color, 3.5 meters in length, 24 centimeters in diameter, and weighing 94 kilograms.

While the drone's yellow color suggests possible research purposes, its presence in Philippine waters has raised concerns over national security. Trinidad noted that equipment like the drone is used for gathering bathymetric data, which can have military applications, including undersea warfare.

Trinidad commended the Masbate fisherfolk for recovering and turning over the drone to authorities, but cautioned against speculating about its origins and objectives while the investigation is ongoing. "We have the appropriate unit, we conduct appropriate actions to study everything… It is a scientific approach. We don’t take these things lightly," he assured.

National Security Council spokesperson Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya noted that the San Bernardino Strait near Masbate is a vital entry point to the country from the Pacific Ocean, which may have sparked speculations of probing activities.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has called for a congressional inquiry to investigate the drone's origins and its compliance with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law.