MANILA – The submersible drone recovered off Masbate province last month could have been launched by a surface ship, a Philippine Navy (PN) official said Tuesday.
“Based on the physical description of the equipment, of the item which I have seen, the absence of any attachments for airdrop capability would rule out an air launch platform. Since the wings are not foldable, then we could rule out a submarine launch method for this. So most likely, this was launched from a mothership, a mother craft. It is not large enough to travel far distances. Kailangan ito ng isang mother ship (the drone needs a mother ship for launching),” PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Trinidad described the drone recovered by fisherfolk last December 30 in the waters of San Pascual town as “bright yellow in color, 3.5 meters in length, 24 centimeters in diameter and weighs 94 kilograms.”
“The color itself would tell us that these are designed to be seen from the air, hence to be recovered. Red, yellow, bright orange. Mostly, these are commercially available,” he added.
Meanwhile, Trinidad lauded the fisherfolk who recovered the submersible drone last week.
“To our fisherfolk, we would like to commend them. I mentioned they are an indispensable part of the whole-of-nation, whole-of-society effort to secure and protect our maritime domain,” he added.
Probe of drone’s origin
In a related development, PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said the forensic investigation to determine the origin of the submersible drone will take six to eight weeks.
“The object has been turned over to the PN on December 31 and a six to eight-week forensic analysis is ongoing to determine its origin, its purpose, and technical specifications. The analysis will examine the object’s physical structure, electronic components, power source and any possible stored data,” he added.
Alcos said that “while initial observation suggests that it may be a submersible used for scientific research or fish tracking, alternative perspectives point to possible military applications.”
“Further updates will be provided as the forensic analysis progresses. Rest assured that your Philippine Navy remains steadfast in ensuring public safety, responding to emergencies and safeguarding our nation’s interest,” he added. (PNA)