Senator bats for inquiry on rogue submersible, maritime security concerns

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino in a statement on January 3 said that he is set to file a resolution for the chamber to launch a ‘comprehensive investigation’ on the underwater drone fished by locals off the waters of San Pascual, Masbate province on Dec. 30 last year.

The torpedo-shaped drone, reportedly found unresponsive by fisherfolks, was described at around two meters long, equipped with fins, an antenna, and a visual lens.

Written on the drone were what seemed to be Chinese markings and an inscription ‘HY-119’.

"This inquiry aims to explore the origins and implications of the drone's presence in Philippine waters. It is urgent that we understand the drone's origin and intent," he stressed.

Tolentino described the recent incident and the drone’s presence as "potentially serious concerns" for Philippine maritime security and legal compliance, citing the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law (RA 12065).

A key author of both laws, the senator stressed the legal requirement for foreign vessels to use designated sea lanes when entering Philippine waters.

"We need to determine if unmanned submersibles, like this drone, fall under these regulations. Drones used for marine scientific research within Philippine maritime zones must comply with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act," he said.

Earlier, after conducting an ‘open-source research,’ Bicol Regional Police Director Brigadier General Andre Dizon confirmed that the ‘HY-119’ inscription on the drone traced back to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system.

"While surveillance efforts are expected, a thorough investigation is essential," Tolentino emphasized.

Once the senator’s resolution is filed and approved, the chamber is expected to summon military and foreign affairs officials to provide insights into the investigation of the submersible drone.

Over the radio, Tolentino said he will call upon agencies such as the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Foreign Affairs, along with other resource persons he had previously collaborated with.

‘Surveillance or research?’

In addition to Dizon’s initial confirmation of the drone being a Chinese navigation and communication system, he added that the unmanned device was also designed and could be used for monitoring and reconnaissance activities.

“It has an antenna and an eye that can be used for viewing. Based on our research, this can be used for monitoring and reconnaissance,” Dizon said.

Security analyst Rene De Castro also suggested that the underwater drone could be a military device.

“Siguro for operation, tinitingnan siguro 'yung underwater terrain for submarine operations po. For submarine warfare, hindi ko na ho kinagugulat 'yan, kasi talagang mainit ang ulo ng Tsina sa atin,” he stressed.

The drone was later turned over to officials in the Philippine Navy for a more thorough investigation.

In a statement, Navy Spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said that the drone’s yellow bright yellow color, which is visible from the air, may be an indicator that the submersible is used for scientific researches and tracking fishes.

“Usually bright colors like yellow, red, orange, these are for scientific research or for fishing use like tracking of schools of fish for fishing purposes. They are designed to be seen from the air," he said.

Trinidad reassured that the incident and the drone should not be cause for public alarm yet.

Amid these developments, the Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to issue a response.