Filipino Fishermen Discover Chinese Underwater Navigation and Communication Drone

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – A group of Filipino fishermen discovered an underwater drone believed to belong to China in the central waters of the country, near San Pascual in Masbate province, according to local authorities who described the discovery as having “security implications” for the nation.

Three fishermen found the underwater drone on December 30 and handed it over to local police.

“The underwater drone bore the marking HY-119, which reportedly corresponds to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system.”

Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Philippine National Police, stated that the discovery highlights the need for cooperation between fishermen and maritime stakeholders.

He urged coastal communities to remain vigilant and collaborate with the government to monitor Philippine waters.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy is conducting an investigation to determine the function and origin of the underwater drone discovered by the fishermen.

In a press statement, Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers said the drone’s discovery indicates the possibility that China is conducting intelligence-gathering missions in Philippine waters.

He also emphasized the need for the government to establish naval facilities in Surigao del Norte and open them to the presence of U.S. military forces through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The Philippines and China have been embroiled in longstanding disputes over maritime rights in the South China Sea, including claims over reefs and islets.

China asserts claims over almost the entire sea, dismissing rival claims from other countries and disregarding an international ruling that deemed its assertions legally baseless.

The yellow drone marked “HY-119” was found floating at sea before being handed over to authorities, said Regional Police Director Andre Dizon in a statement to AFP.

The drone measured approximately two meters (six feet) in length and was torpedo-shaped with fins.

“Based on open-source research online… HY-119 refers to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system,” Dizon said.

“It is equipped with an antenna and a lens that can be used for observation. Our research indicates that this drone can be utilized for monitoring and reconnaissance purposes.”

Dizon confirmed that the drone was unarmed, but the police report highlighted “potential national security implications” as a key aspect of the discovery.

Tensions and military confrontations in the South China Sea have escalated in recent months.

In December, Chinese coast guard vessels, supported by navy ships, fired high-pressure water cannons and blocked and sideswiped a Philippine patrol vessel.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, accused Beijing of endangering lives by disrupting a Philippine maritime operation in a social media post.

Also last month, the Philippine military deployed a navy ship and air force planes to shadow a Russian submarine passing through the South China Sea.

A military official expressed surprise at the sighting, describing the vessel as a “very unique submarine.”

The United States has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces come under attack in the South China Sea. – DSA