THE Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday that the result of a full forensic analysis was necessary before filing a formal protest against the country who owns the submersible drone discovered off the coast of San Pascual, Masbate on Dec. 30, 2024.
The drone, labeled “HY-119” and believed to originate from China, was discovered by fishermen in Barangay Inarawan.
DOJ Special Counsel Fretti Ganchoon said concrete evidence is necessary before the Philippine government could file a diplomatic protest before the United Nations General Assembly regarding the presence of a foreign submersible drone in the country.
Ganchoon made the remark during a Senate Special Committee inquiry on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones led by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino.
The Philippine Navy said on Jan. 7 that the forensic examination might take up to two months to complete.
“A six to eight weeks forensic analysis is underway to ascertain its origin, intended use, and technical specifications. This examination will assess the object’s physical design, electronic parts, power supply, and any potential stored information,” said Navy spokesman Commander John Percie Alcos.
The drone features a bright yellow hue and has a torpedo-like shape with fins. It measures approximately 3.5 meters long, 24 centimeters in diameter, and weighs 94 kilograms.
Drones with bright colors such as yellow, red, or orange, were generally employed for scientific research or fishing activities, like locating schools of fish, as they were made to be easily seen from above, the Navy said.
Tolentino said the discovery of the submersible drone was alarming.
“This inquiry explores the origins and implications of the drone’s presence in Philippine waters. We must understand the drone’s origin and intent,” he added.
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