MAJORITY Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino on Monday, January 6, 2025, announces the filing of Senate Resolution No. 1267 seeking to investigate the discovery of a submersible drone, believed to be of Chinese origin, off the coast of Bgy. Inawaran, San Pascual, Masbate.
Tolentino said the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, which he chairs, will conduct a parallel investigation to the ongoing probe of the Philippine Navy.
The majority leader said it will take the Philippine Navy eight full weeks to conclude its own inquiry into the 12-foot drone, the purpose of which appeared to be for scientific research based on its color (yellow).
He noted that this encompasses a wide array of possible intents, including national security concerns.
“During investigations, the Department of Foreign Affairs should answer whether the (deployment of the) drone has a permit from coastal states pursuant to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” Tolentino said during a media briefing.
Defining the scope of national security, Tolentino explained, is not limited to military concerns but also encompasses, economic, social, and even food security.
“It (findings of the research) might be a prelude to a research that would probably lead to something bigger than the research itself. The product can be used for a range of purposes,” Tolentino added. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
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