Cops raise security in coastal areas after submarine drone found

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) has strengthened security measures across all municipalities, particularly in coastal areas, after a submarine drone believed to be owned by the Chinese government was discovered in waters off Masbate earlier this week.

In a phone interview on Thursday, PRO-5 Director, Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, said the object, marked HY-119, is a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system found in the municipal waters of Barangay Iniwaran, San Pascual, Masbate on Dec. 30, 2024.

“After fishermen handed the object over to our local police, we dispatched our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and K-9 units to assess whether it was safe or contained explosives. The object has a total length of 359 cm. and has a circumference of 79.2 cm.,” he said.

Dizon said they coordinated with various local government agencies and instructed police units in coastal areas to conduct inspections and talk with fishermen about the potential recovery of similar objects.

“We need to strengthen our communication with fishermen. If they encounter or discover any unusual items in our waters, they should inform the police. It is important not to hide these things or interfere with them for their safety,” he said.

Based on preliminary findings, the HY-119 is believed to enable underwater vessels or devices to communicate with surface units or satellites by transmitting data, voice messages, and navigation information.

“The system’s advanced capabilities suggest applications in submarine communication, underwater surveillance, oceanographic research, and naval operations. It likely utilizes secure encryption methods, frequency hopping, and low probability of intercept technology to avoid detection,” Dizon said.

He said the object had been turned over to the Philippine Navy through the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL).

“We have informed and submitted a report to our national headquarters and coordinated with other concerned agencies, including the NAVFORSOL and the Philippine Coast Guard,” he said. (PNA)

HEIGHTENED SECURITY MEASURES. Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) Director, Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon (right) inspects the HY-119, a suspected Chinese underwater navigation and communication system found in the municipal waters of Barangay Iniwaran, San Pascual, Masbate, on Dec. 30, 2024. Dizon said the object has been turned over to the Philippine Navy for further investigation. (Photo courtesy of Brig. Gen. Dizon)