On January 2, 2025, three local fishermen discovered a mysterious underwater drone off the coast of the Philippines, sparking serious concerns about national security. They found the drone, believed to be of Chinese origin, on Monday, December 30, in the waters near San Pascual, a town located in Masbate province, which lies in the central part of the Philippines.
Discovery of the Drone
The fishermen were about nine kilometers (six miles) from the shore when they spotted the unusual object floating in the sea. The discovery has raised alarms in the Philippines, as the South China Sea—where the incident took place—has been a region of ongoing tensions and disputes, particularly between China and the Philippines, over maritime rights. The waters of this region are home to many important shipping routes, reefs, and islets that various countries, including China, claim ownership of, despite disagreements from other nations.
The drone, marked with the code “HY-119,” was initially found floating in the water. The fishermen reported the finding to local authorities, who took the drone for further investigation. Experts believe that the drone serves reconnaissance and surveillance purposes, which could have serious implications for the national security of the Philippines.
Features and Function of the Drone
Upon examination, authorities confirmed that the drone measured around two meters (approximately six feet) long, with a torpedo-like shape and fins that resembled designs typically seen in underwater navigation and communication systems. Its distinct yellow color made it easy to spot in the ocean. The markings on the drone indicated that designers created it for underwater use, and experts pointed out that the “HY-119” refers to a Chinese-made device intended for underwater communication and navigation.
The drone featured an antenna that could send or receive signals, and a camera, often referred to as an “eye” in this context. Experts believe the camera’s function is for monitoring and reconnaissance, enabling it to capture detailed underwater footage that could help gather intelligence or monitor the movements of vessels in the region.
Although the drone was not armed, the Philippine authorities have emphasized that recovering it carries “potential national security implications.” Given the nature of the device and the ongoing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines, officials treat any device found in these waters with caution, especially if they suspect it links to surveillance activities.
Security Concerns and Political Context
The recovery of this drone comes at a time of heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea. For years, the two countries have been involved in disputes regarding ownership and control of various reefs, islets, and waters in the region. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, despite competing claims from other countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam. This has led to diplomatic standoffs and a tense environment in the region, with each country reinforcing its military presence and pushing for control over strategic maritime areas.
The drone’s discovery adds a new layer of concern to the already fragile relationship between the Philippines and China. While both countries have engaged in talks to resolve the disputes, such discoveries further complicate the diplomatic landscape. The presence of a Chinese-made underwater drone in Philippine waters raises the question of whether China used it as part of a larger surveillance operation aimed at monitoring the Philippines’ activities in the area, or if it was an isolated incident.
The South China Sea holds significant importance for global trade, as it is a major shipping route. In addition, experts believe the area is rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, which makes it highly contested. As various nations lay claim to parts of the sea, the discovery of a Chinese drone in the region adds a layer of tension, as people could see it as China attempting to assert its influence over the contested waters.
Raising Tensions and Unanswered Questions
In response to the recovery of the drone, the Philippine Navy took possession of it on January 1, 2025, after local authorities turned it over. As of now, both the Philippine Navy and the Chinese embassy in Manila have not provided any official comment on the matter. The authorities are investigating the incident, and while the drone did not appear to arm itself or cause immediate harm, its presence in Philippine waters has raised important questions about China’s intentions and the security of the region.
The discovery of the underwater drone in the Philippines has added another chapter to the ongoing tensions over the South China Sea. While it remains unclear whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader strategy, the drone’s presence has ignited serious discussions about the implications it may have for national security. As the investigation continues, the incident underscores the delicate and often volatile nature of territorial disputes in the region.