SUBMARINE DRONE RECOVERED OFF MASBATE

LOCAL fisherfolk on Monday found a submersible drone off the waters of Masbate province, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday confirmed.

Fisherman Rodnie Valenzuela, 30, and his companions were fishing in the waters of Bgy. Iniwaran in San Pascual town at around 6 a.m. on Dec. 30 when they recovered the  drone.

The fishermen immediately turned over the drone to the local police.

Meanwhile, the AFP confirmed that the Philippine Navy (PN) has taken custody of the submersible drone recovered by the fisherfolk.

“The AFP confirms the turnover of a remotely operated submersible drone from the PNP to the PN. The drone was recovered in the vicinity of San Pascual, Masbate by local fisherfolks. The Navy is currently conducting further investigation to determine its origin and purpose,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a message to reporters.

The AFP official commended the vigilance and cooperation of the community as he underscored the importance of collaboration with local fisherfolk and maritime stakeholders.

“We commend their vigilance and continued support in reporting suspicious activities and encourage ongoing cooperation to ensure the effective monitoring of our territorial waters,” Trinidad said.

Authorities are investigating the source of the recovered submersible drone.