San Pascual, Masbate – Life has returned to normal for the residents of Barangay Iniwaran on Templo Island in San Pascual, Masbate, following the discovery of a submersible drone near their island last week.
Local fishermen, who have resumed their daily fishing activities, are now more vigilant. Apart from their usual fishing gear, they now carry the reminder from the police to immediately report any unusual objects they encounter at sea to the authorities.
Police Brigadier General Andre Perez Dizon, the regional director of PNP-Bicol, confirms that they are preparing an event to formally commend the fishermen who recovered the 3.5-meter-long drone.
“Napaka-proper po noong ginawa nila, na hindi nila diniskubre, hindi nila pinakialaman, hindi sila naging curious doon sa bagay, bagkus ‘yong course of action nila ay iinform ‘yong barangay captain nila,” Dizon said, emphasizing the fishermen’s responsible actions.
While the drone, marked with the identifier HY-119, is believed to be of Chinese origin, Dizon doubts that the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) was specifically intended to monitor the Bicol region.
“Ang ina-assume po natin doon ay baka napadpad kasi noong tsinek po siya initially wala na siyang power at ‘yong San Pascual, Masbate po ay nasa inner portion ng Bicol. So, marami pa siyang dadaanan na isla bago po siya makarating doon sa Masbate,” Dizon explained.
This is the first recorded incident of a submersible drone being found in Bicol. However, Dizon noted two similar occurrences last year involving objects from other countries.
In March, an abandoned speedboat was discovered in Vinzons, Camarines Norte, while a floating device believed to be a tracking device was recovered in Caramoran, Catanduanes in May. I Jonathan Magistrado
Photos: Bicol PNP