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Underwater drone found off Masbate may have ‘military applications’: PH Navy
The Philippine Navy is investigating an underwater drone recovered off Masbate, exploring its potential military applications.
While the drone could be for scientific research or fish tracking, military uses are also being considered, according to Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos.
Forensic analysis is underway and expected to take six to eight weeks to determine the drone's origin, purpose, and technical specifications.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are actively monitoring the situation and treating it with high importance.
The yellow drone, marked 'HY-119', measures 3.5 meters in length and was discovered by fishermen on December 30.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted that such equipment is typically used for gathering bathymetric data like water temperature, depth, and salinity.
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The Philippine Navy is investigating a remotely operated submersible drone, suspected to be of Chinese origin, recovered by fisherfolk in Masbate on December 30.
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The Philippine Navy has taken custody of a submersible drone recovered by local fisherfolk off the waters of Masbate province on December 30, 2024.
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Senator Francis Tolentino filed Senate Resolution No. 1267 to investigate a submersible drone recovered off the coast of Masbate.
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The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) in Bicol has heightened security in coastal areas after fishermen discovered a suspected Chinese underwater drone, marked HY-119, in the municipal waters of San Pascual, Masbate on December 30, 2024.
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Senator Francis Tolentino has filed Senate Resolution No. 1267 to investigate a submersible drone discovered in Masbate on December 30, 2024, citing potential implications for Philippine national security and territorial integrity.
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