Cyrus Villanueva 

The National Security Council reported that Philippine authorities are working with their foreign counterparts to identify the origin and purpose of a remotely operated submersible drone discovered off the coast of Masbate island on Friday, January 3, 2025.


Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council, stated that the underwater device found by fishermen near Barangay Iniwaran in San Pascual on December 30, 2024, is believed to be a reconnaissance and surveillance drone based on initial assessments.

“Obviously, itong drone na ito is used for reconnaissance and surveillance, so it is imperative to the Philippines to determine saan ito nanggaling at anong ginagawa nito sa ating archipelagic waters,” NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a televised briefing.

The six-foot-long drone, made of PVC and metal and labeled "HY-119," was deactivated when discovered about nine kilometers from the town proper. Three local fishermen reported the device to barangay officials, who then informed the municipal police.

Malaya stated that they are working closely with foreign counterparts to gather more information about the incident.

"We're coordinating very closely with our foreign counterparts to get additional information about this. What's concerning is that it was found within our country's archipelagic waters, specifically in the Masbate area of the Bicol Region," Malaya added.

Although no nation, including China, has claimed ownership of the drone, Malaya emphasized that it carries "national security implications."

"It's imperative for the Philippines to determine where it came from and what it was doing inside our archipelagic waters," he added.

NO CONCLUSIONS DRAWN YET

Malaya emphasized that it is still too early to draw conclusions about the drone, which is currently in the custody of the Philippine Navy. 
He declined to speculate on its purpose, stating that authorities need more time to complete their investigation. 

"It's difficult to speculate on the possible motive of this drone. If it turns out that it comes from a certain country and its actions are illegal, then we can draw a conclusion," he said.

Malaya also noted that since the drone "could have come from anywhere," authorities are working to determine its origin and trace the vessels that passed through the area to pinpoint where it came from.

He added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s investigation is ongoing, and the country of origin is still unknown. 

“Hindi pa alam ang susunod na hakbang, hayaan [natin] ang mga investigators to come to a definitive conclusion tungkol sa pinagmulan ng drone na ito.” he stated.

As of this writing, the Philippine Navy confirmed that it was now investigating the "origin and purpose" of the drone, which appears to have Chinese markings.