In a move to address potential security concerns, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has introduced a resolution to investigate a submersible drone discovered by local fishermen near Barangay Inawaran, San Pascual, Masbate. The device, found on December 30, 2024, has sparked a debate over its purpose and legality within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Tolentino, who filed Senate Resolution No. 1267, is pressing the Department of Foreign Affairs to verify whether the drone, which measures 12 feet in length, had the necessary permits to operate in Philippine waters. The senator pointed out that the drone’s yellow color suggests it might be used for scientific research, as opposed to military purposes, which typically use black drones.
The resolution calls for a thorough investigation by the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, chaired by Tolentino himself. He emphasized the need for clarity on whether foreign entities had obtained the required permissions under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to conduct marine research in the area.
Tolentino expressed concerns about the broader implications of the drone’s presence, suggesting it could be part of a larger research initiative. He also urged Filipino fishermen to remain alert and report any similar findings to the authorities promptly.
The Philippine Navy is currently conducting an eight-week investigation into the incident, which Tolentino hopes will shed light on many unanswered questions and potential ‘miracles’ that need to be understood.