Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Monday sought an inquiry on the underwater drone found off the coast of Masbate province to determine its implications on national security.
Tolentino made the call under Senate Resolution 1267 he filed on January 6, citing that the Philippine Maritime Zones Act provides that if a submersible drone found within the maritime zone was used for marine scientific research, the same must benefit the Filipino people and requires government authorization.
Likewise, the senator said the same law also states that while the Philippines recognizes the rights and privileges of foreign vessels and aircraft in its maritime zones under conditions of reciprocity and mutual respect, the country also “reserves the right to take necessary legal and diplomatic actions against States whose vessels and aircraft do not abide by, or act inconsistently with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas and international law.”
“There is an urgency in determining the drone’s origins and its compliance with Philippine maritime laws, specifically the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law as its presence raises critical concerns regarding its origin and implication on our country’s territorial integrity and national security,” Tolentino said.
“If proven that the discovered submersible drone was used by a foreign state to conduct underwater surveillance be it for military or as part of marine scientific research without the consent of the Republic of the Philippines, the same constitutes a violation of our sovereignty,” he added.
Tolentino said the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones can focus on the drone’s origins, operational capabilities, and compliance with Philippine maritime laws.
The underwater drone was found by three fisherfolk off the coast of Brgy. Iniwaran, San Pascual, Masbate last December 30, 2024.
Based on initial assessments of authorities, the six-foot drone is likely of Chinese origin, constructed from PVC and metal functioning as a remote-controlled electronic device possibly used for communication and navigation.
The drone, however, was found deactivated.
Investigation as to the ownership and purpose of the drone deployment is still ongoing.
The Philippines regards the 200 nautical miles off its territorial sea as its exclusive economic zone as provided under UNCLOS and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
This legal claim by the Philippines is being contested by China, which is claiming sovereignty in the entire South China Sea.
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