By: Charles Nikko Limon
An object suspected to be an underwater drone was found drifting off the coast of Bolinao, Pangasinan last Wednesday, August 6, sparking investigation into its origins and purpose.
Fishermen from Infanta, Pangasinan discovered the floating object while fishing in the waters off Bolinao.
Upon returning to shore, they handed it over to the Philippine Coast Guard Substation in Infanta.
Initial inspection by Coast Guard personnel suggests the object could be a type of underwater drone.
According to their assessment, it measures approximately 160 centimeters in length and 20 inches in width, with an estimated weight of 100 kilograms.
The object has since been turned over to the Philippine Navy for further examination.
Authorities are now looking into where the device came from and what it was doing within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
As of this writing, the Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
This is not the first time a suspected submersible drone has been found in Philippine waters.
According to preliminary investigations from previous cases, such devices are often used for scientific research.
One of the most recent cases occurred in Masbate in December of last year.
The PNP Maritime Group later confirmed that the drone found at that time was manufactured in China.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the investigation into the Bolinao discovery unfolds.
