AFP investigates unidentified underwater drone off Bohol

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating a reported sighting of an unidentified piece of equipment off the coast of Bohol province.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, head of the AFP public affairs office, stated that the Visayas Command has prioritized this investigation to gather details and ascertain the nature of the incident.

A video circulating on Facebook showed what appeared to be a silver and red underwater drone covered in barnacles near a fisherman's boat.

The finder is urged to coordinate with local military units for proper handling of the equipment, as the AFP remains committed to national security.

Before this sighting, five other underwater drones were found in different parts of the country last year, including one off San Pascual town in Masbate province bearing Chinese markings.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad from the Philippine Navy stated that the United States is assisting in forensic analysis of recovered drones to determine their origin and purpose.

The AFP emphasizes its commitment to national security and calls on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or discoveries promptly.