Philippine Navy Takes Custody of Submersible Drone Found by Fishermen in Masbate

The Philippine Navy has officially taken possession of a submersible drone that was discovered by local fishermen in the waters near Masbate province. The incident occurred on December 30, 2024, when 30-year-old fisherman Rodnie Valenzuela and his fellow fishermen were out fishing near Barangay Iniwaran in San Pascual town at around 6 a.m. They stumbled upon the drone and promptly handed it over to the local police. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the transfer of the drone from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to the Navy on January 2, 2025. The Navy is now actively investigating the drone’s origins and intended use. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, the chief of the AFP public affairs office, emphasized the significance of cooperation with local fishermen and other maritime stakeholders. He praised their alertness and encouraged continued collaboration to enhance the monitoring of the country’s territorial waters. Trinidad also reaffirmed the AFP’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, promising to utilize all available resources to handle such incidents with the highest level of diligence.