Another suspected Chinese underwater drone found off Palawan
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has retrieved an alleged 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 3.6-meter (12-foot) device was discovered on Sunday by fisherfolk from Sitio Tapic, Barangay New Colaylayan, as they were fishing near Barangonan Island. They later turned it over to PCG personnel, who transported it to the PCG Station Linapacan for technical examination and investigation with national security agencies.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said their initial inspection showed that 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 also bore signs of prolonged saltwater exposure.
Fishermen commended
“It is mounted on a rugged metal frame, typical of components in autonomous underwater vehicles commonly known as ‘underwater drones,’” Tarriela added.
The device, which is commonly used in oceanographic surveys, measures salinity, temperature and depth. The data is essential for seafloor mapping and underwater surveillance.
“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.
He commended the fishermen for reporting their find, saying the Coast Guard remains “vigilant in safeguarding our maritime domain and protecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk.”
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 testing to trace its origin and determine possible security implications, according to the PCG.
The PCG also urged the public to promptly report suspicious objects found at sea to the nearest Coast Guard station.
