The National Security Council (NSC) has reiterated that the submersible drone recovered in the waters of Masbate poses a significant threat to national security and has urged concerned agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into its origin and purpose.
The drone was found by fishermen in Barangay Iniwaran, San Pascual last December 30 and was surrendered to the local police the following day, who then turned it over to the Philippine Navy.
NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing held on Friday that they are already looking at all possibilities regarding why the drone was in Philippine waters.
“Very obviously, this drone is used for reconnaissance and surveillance. So, it’s imperative for the Philippines to determine kung saan ito nanggaling at ano ang ginagawa nito sa ating archipelagic waters,” Malaya said.
While authorities earlier stated that the 2-meter device, which bore the “HY-L0119” mark, may have come from China, Malaya said there is no concrete evidence yet.
He further stated that deeper investigation will reveal specific features of the drone and where it really came from, as they have already coordinated with their foreign counterparts to gather additional information about it.
The drone, which is an autonomous underwater vehicle designed for seabed mapping and underwater data gathering, will also be checked to see what it was able to gather and monitor in the area. Inhaler compound
