An alleged underwater drone with Chinese markings recovered by the local fisherman near the waters off Palawan was turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), West Philippine Sea spokesperson said Tuesday.

PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela said the PCG has taken custody of an alleged underwater drone recovered by local fishermen in the waters near Barangay Barangonan, Linapacan, Palawan last Sept. 28.

Tarriela said the fishermen from Sitio Tapic, Barangay New Colaylayan, Linapacan, discovered the approximately 12-foot-long device during routine fishing operations.

"This incident highlights ongoing illegal marine scientific research in Philippine waters, amid a pattern of similar events involving foreign-origin autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)," he said.

"The alleged drone had been safely transported and secured at PCG Station Linapacan for further verification, technical examination, and investigation, in coordination with relevant national security agencies," he added.

Tarriela said "preliminary observations show that the device features a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensor, a compact probe designed to measure seawater salinity, temperature, and depth, which are key parameters for oceanographic profiling".

"The sensor includes Chinese labeling ("海水?度?感器") and a serial number (CTD-20090334), along with visible corrosion from prolonged saltwater exposure," he said.

"It is mounted on a rugged metal frame, typical of components in autonomous underwater vehicles commonly known as underwater drones," he added.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan commended the quick action of the local fishermen for reporting the recovery of the alleged underwater drone.

"This incident highlights the need for continued community awareness and a whole-of-nation approach to deter unauthorized activities in our waters."

"The Philippine Coast Guard remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime domain and protecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk," he added.

Tarriela said the recovery of the alleged underwater drone "fits into a series of similar incidents in Philippine waters dating back to July 2022, including devices found in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte (July 2022); off the Zambales coast (September 2022); Calayan Island, Cagayan (August 2024); Initao, Misamis Oriental (October 2024); and San Pascual, Masbate (December 2024)."

"At least three of those prior recoveries have been linked to Chinese deployment, based on evidence such as China Telecom SIM cards, iridium transceivers connected to Beijing-based HWA Create (a defense contractor), and battery packs marked by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation," he said.

"Previous forensic analyses of similar recovered AUVs have identified them as tools for advanced underwater surveillance and seafloor mapping," he added.

Tarriela also noted that previously recovered units have shown capabilities for autonomous data processing, storage, and satellite transmission, with one case revealing encrypted communications to mainland China during operations. Robina Asido/DMS