UPDATE: Filipino fishermen have turned over a 12-foot-long underwater drone to the Philippine Coast Guard after discovering it while fishing near Palawan on September 28, 2023. This alarming find adds to a growing list of similar drones linked to Chinese deployment in the region.
The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed the recovery on Tuesday, highlighting the drone’s sensors were labeled in Chinese. This incident raises serious concerns amidst escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial claims in the South China Sea, a crucial area rich in oil and gas resources.
“We commend the quick action of the local fishermen for reporting this find,” said Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, in a statement on X. He stressed the importance of vigilance in these waters.
Preliminary inspections revealed that the drone is equipped with a “compact probe designed to measure seawater salinity, temperature, and depth,” suggesting its use for oceanographic profiling. The drone’s rugged metal frame is typical of autonomous underwater vehicles, often referred to as underwater drones.
Since July 2022, the Philippine Coast Guard has reported recovering at least three other drones linked to China. Evidence from those recoveries included China Telecom SIM cards and battery packs marked by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, further confirming suspicions of Chinese involvement.
In January, fishermen found another Chinese underwater drone six miles off the coast of the small island in the Masbate province, indicating a pattern of incursions by Chinese technology into Philippine waters.
These discoveries come at a time of heightened maritime tensions. In August, a Chinese navy warship and a China Coast Guard cutter collided while pursuing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, resulting in significant damage to both Chinese vessels.
As these incidents continue, Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, has urged China to adhere to international regulations concerning maritime safety. “We have consistently emphasized that reckless behavior at sea could ultimately lead to accidents,” he stated.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s ongoing investigations into these drone recoveries underscore the urgency of monitoring foreign activities in the region. This latest drone find not only raises questions about sovereignty and security but also highlights the importance of cooperation among local fishermen and authorities.
As the situation develops, the Philippine Coast Guard will provide further updates on the investigation and the potential implications for maritime security in the region. Stay tuned for more breaking news on this critical issue.
