PCG recovers suspected foreign underwater drone off Palawan

Photo shows a suspected Chinese underwater drone found by local fisherfolk and retrieved by the Philippine Coast Guard for further forensic examination. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has retrieved a suspected underwater drone believed to be of foreign origin after local fishermen recovered it off Linapacan, Palawan, in the latest suspected case of unauthorized marine research in Philippine waters.

According to the PCG, the 12-foot device was discovered on Sunday by fishermen from Sitio Tapic, Barangay New Colaylayan, during routine fishing operations near Barangonan Island. They later turned it over to PCG personnel, who transported it to PCG Station Linapacan for technical examination and investigation with national security agencies.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippines Sea, stated on Tuesday that the initial inspection revealed the equipment carried a conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensor with Chinese markings (“海水盐度传感器”) and a serial number (CTD-20090334).

“It is mounted on a rugged metal frame, typical of components in autonomous underwater vehicles commonly known as ‘underwater drones,’” Tarriela said in a statement.

The probe, commonly used in oceanographic surveys, measures salinity, temperature, and depth. The PCG said these data are essential for seafloor mapping and underwater surveillance. The device also bore signs of prolonged saltwater exposure.

“This incident highlights the need for continued community awareness and a whole-of-nation approach to deter unauthorized activities in our waters,” PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan said on Tuesday.

He commended the fishermen for reporting the find, saying the Coast Guard remains “vigilant in safeguarding our maritime domain and protecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk.”

READ: PCG takes custody of suspected underwater drone in Palawan 

The Palawan recovery adds to a string of similar cases since 2022, when at least five autonomous underwater vehicles were recovered in Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Cagayan, Misamis Oriental, and Masbate.

Tarriela said previous forensic analyses linked several of the devices to Chinese defense contractors, with some units found equipped with China Telecom SIM cards, encrypted communication systems, and satellite transceivers connected to Beijing-based firms.

The latest device will undergo forensic tests to trace its origin and determine possible security implications, said the PCG.

The PCG urged the public to promptly report suspicious objects found at sea to the nearest Coast Guard station. /jpv