‘Underwater drone’ recovered off Palawan waters

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said a suspected underwater drone was recovered by local fishermen off the waters near Barangay Barangonan, Linapacan, Palawan last September 28. 

In a statement, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said the fishermen turned over the object to the agency.

“On September 28, 2025, fishermen from Sitio Tapic, Brgy. New Colaylayan, Linapacan, discovered the approximately 12-foot-long device during routine fishing operations,” he said.

“Later that evening, they turned the [autonomous underwater vehicle] over to Coast Guard personnel. 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.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said a supposed underwater drone was recovered by local fishermen in the waters near Barangay Barangonan, Linapacan, Palawan last September 28. Photos: PCG @gmanews pic.twitter.com/DpaOfgSn8M

— Joviland Rita (@jovilandxrita) September 30, 2025

The device is undergoing detailed forensic examination to determine its exact origin, operational history, and potential security risks, according to Tarriela.

Tarriela said the device features a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensor, which measures seawater salinity, temperature, and depth, which are key parameters for oceanographic profiling. 

He added that the device also has Chinese labeling.

“The sensor includes Chinese labeling ("???????") and a serial number (CTD-20090334), along with visible corrosion from prolonged saltwater exposure,” Tarriela said.

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

To recall, Tarriela said that since July 2022, similar devices have been recovered from Philippine waters, including in the following areas:

• Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte (July 2022); 
• off the Zambales coast (September 2022)
• Calayan Island, Cagayan (August 2024)
• Initao, Misamis Oriental (October 2024)
• San Pascual, Masbate (December 2024)

From the previously recovered devices, Tarriela said three have been linked to Chinese deployment, citing their Chinese telecom SIM cards, iridium transceivers connected to a Beijing-based defense contractor, and battery packs marked by a Chinese corporation.

He added that previous recovered AUVs were tools for advanced underwater surveillance and seafloor mapping. 

According to him, these devices showed capabilities for autonomous data processing, storage, and satellite transmission, with one case revealing “encrypted communications to mainland China during operations.”

"The Philippine Coast Guard remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime domain and protecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk," PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said.

"We commend the quick action of the local fishermen for reporting this find. This incident highlights the need for continued community awareness and a whole-of-nation approach to deter unauthorized activities in our waters,” he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News