The suspected Chinese drone recovered by fisherfolk in Masbate province was “non-operational” when it was found, according to the , Philippine Navy , spokesperson for the , West Philippine Sea , ( WPS) Rear Adm.  , Roy Vincent Trinidad.
The sailors found the aircraft with the signs” HY-119″ in the lakes off San Pascual area, Masbate last , Dec. 30. They turned it over to the , Philippine National Police , ( PNP ) and subsequently to the , Navy.
It is now going through forensic analysis that will last between six and eight months. Off-hand, I may state that it is bright yellow in color, 3.5 meters in length, 24 inches in diameter and weighs 94 pounds”, Trinidad said in a media briefing at , Camp Aguinaldo , on Tuesday.
Trinidad asserted that despite the drone’s bright color suggesting potential research, its presence also posed risks for national security.
” Equipment such as this]is ] used for gathering bathymetric data such as water temperature, the depth of water and salinity”, he said.
” The bathymetric data derived from these problems for academic studies, for technological research, for business reasons, and they also have military software that will include undersea warfare”, he added.
Trinidad praised the Masbate fisherman for recovering the underwater drone and turning it over to the authorities, but he warned the public to avoid making up their minds as the Navy’s investigation was still being conducted.
” We have the appropriate product, we conduct appropriate steps to research all … It is a scientific method. We don’t get these things lightly”, Trinidad assured.
” Whatever markings are there]do ] not indicate anything. Due to the length of six to eight weeks, it must be established without a sensible question. Again, debate is no replacement for evidence”, he stressed.
National Security Council , director Assistant Director General , Jonathan Malaya , on Monday said theories of probing actions may be based on the fact that the , San Bernardino Strait , near Masbate was a “vital” entry level to the state from the , Pacific Ocean.
The submersible drone’s origins and compliance with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act ( Republic Act No. 10 ) were the subject of a congressional inquiry on Monday, led by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino. 12063 ) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law (RA No. 12065 ).
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