Video of underwater drone spotted off Bohol not new, authorities clarify

The discovery of an underwater drone in Bohol waters, a video of which circulated on social media recently, happened on July 27, 2024, authorities clarified on Thursday.

Citing a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) substation in Bohol, the Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP-MG) said the “unidentified floating object” was reported in Valencia and Garcia Hernandez towns.

“Per coordination with PCG-Bohol Substation, the unidentified floating object reported in Valencia and Garcia Hernandez, Bohol, was actually discovered last July 27, 2024, as per a viral Facebook post,” PNP-MG Police Community Relations Section chief Police Captain Carina Oliquino told GMA News Online in a message.

“The PCG clarified that this is not a recent incident,” she added.

GMA News Online reached out to the PCG for a report about the incident but the agency has yet to provide a statement as of posting time.

According to a report on "Saksi" on Wednesday evening, the video showing the glider was posted on the Philippines Defense Forces Forum’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Navy confirmed that it received a report of a glider colored silver and red but the fisherman who saw the object did not retrieve it out of fear.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that, through the Visayas Command, it has prioritized investigating the reported discovery of unidentified equipment floating at sea.

"All appropriate AFP units and forces, particularly the Naval Forces Central, are actively coordinating and working together to gather details and ascertain the nature of this incident," the AFP.

The AFP said it did not have the equipment to conduct a forensic investigation.

"We urge the individual who discovered the equipment and posted it on social media to immediately coordinate with the nearest military or naval units to ensure the proper handling and disposition of the item," it said.

The AFP stressed its commitment to national security and called on the public to remain vigilant.

"We encourage everyone to participate in safeguarding our nation by promptly reporting any suspicious activities or discoveries to the proper authorities, including the AFP," it said.

The Philippine Navy earlier reported five underwater drones that were discovered in different parts of the country.—AOL, GMA Integrated News