A submarine drone suspected to be from China was recovered in waters off the central Philippines, igniting concerns about potential national security threats. According to police reports, the drone was discovered on Monday by three fishermen approximately six miles off the coast of San Pascual in Masbate province (CBS News). The Philippines and China have long been embroiled in disputes over maritime rights in the South China Sea.

Marked “HY-119,” the yellow drone measures almost two meters (or six feet) long and is shaped like a torpedo. Regional police director, Andre Dizon, indicated that the device has implications for national security, noting, “Based on our open-source research in the internet, HY-119 refers to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system.” Dizon further elaborated that the drone was equipped with an antenna and a camera, enabling it to be used for surveillance and reconnaissance operations (South China Morning Post).

Despite being unarmed, the discovery is alarming given the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have recently engaged in confrontational acts against Philippine patrols. The drone was handed over to the Philippine Navy on Tuesday for further evaluation. Both the Philippine Navy and the Chinese embassy in Manila have yet to issue a response regarding the situation.

The conflict over maritime boundaries continues to escalate, with U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson already criticizing China's actions as dangerous to local operations.