THE Bicol police turned over an underwater navigation and communication system found by local fishermen in San Pascual, Masbate, on Monday to the Philippine Navy.
In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB on Thursday, Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon, chief of Police Regional Office V, said the system was cylindrical and had a steel antenna.
“Based on the markings found, it appears this is a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system,” Dizon said.
The device was turned over to the Philippine Navy on December 31, 2024. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the turnover of the remotely operated submersible drone from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to the Navy.
“The Navy is currently conducting further investigation to determine its origin and purpose,” the AFP added.
The AFP also emphasized the importance of collaboration with local fisherfolk and maritime stakeholders in monitoring Philippine territorial waters.
“We commend their vigilance and continued support in reporting suspicious activities and encourage ongoing cooperation to ensure the effective monitoring of our territorial waters,” the AFP said.
It also stated that the military is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of the country’s maritime domain, “with all necessary resources mobilized to address similar and other situations with the utmost diligence.”