PH recovers Chinese drones, fears Beijing's seabed mapping

National Security Council officials expressed alarm over five Chinese-made underwater drones recovered in Philippine waters between 2022 and 2024.

Forensic analysis of three of the drones revealed a 50% to 80% likelihood of deployment by the Chinese Communist Party, based on component markings and physical characteristics.

These drones are equipped with advanced technology capable of measuring water depth, temperature, and salinity, detecting underwater sounds, and transmitting data via satellite communication.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino stated that China has likely been deploying these drones to study the seabed and map underwater terrain for scientific, commercial, or military use.

Tolentino urged the Philippines to reinforce its claims over parts of the South China Sea through legal and diplomatic means.

The drones were discovered by fisherfolk in various locations, including Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Masbate, and Misamis Oriental.

This development marks the first time the Armed Forces of the Philippines has presented evidence linking these surveillance devices to the Chinese government.