Underwater drone in Masbate a security issue - NSC
Metro Manila, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) has expressed concern over an underwater drone found off the Masbate coast on Monday, Dec. 30, calling it a "security concern" that should be investigated.
In an interview with government channel PTV, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said authorities have yet to determine whether the drone was from a foreign source.
“Unang-una wala pa namang nagsasabi na kanila iyan. Pangalawa, sinusuri pa natin iyong drone based doon sa kung anong nakasulat doon, iyong mga indications na nandiyan sa drone na iyan at iyong specifics ng kaniyang location kung saan siya nahanap,” Malaya said.
[Translation: First of all, no one has claimed ownership of it yet. Secondly, we are still examining the drone based on what’s written on it, the indications present on the drone, and the specifics of its location where it was found.]
He said the drone is a significant national security issue regardless of its origin.
“Itong drone na ito is used for reconnaissance and surveillance, so it’s imperative for the Philippines to determine kung saan ito nanggaling at anong ginagawa nito sa loob ng ating archipelagic waters,” Malaya said.
[Translation: This drone is used for reconnaissance and surveillance, so it is imperative for the Philippines to determine where it came from and what it’s doing in our archipelagic waters.]
Malaya said the military should be given enough time to investigate the issue.
“Mahirap mag-speculate as to the possible motive of this drone ‘no, kasi kung lalabas dito na it comes from a certain country at ang ginagawa niya ay illegal, then we can say and make a conclusion,” he added.
[Translation: It’s difficult to speculate on the possible motive of this drone, because if it turns out that it came from a certain country and its activities are illegal, then we can make a conclusion.]
The NSC said the government is collaborating with foreign partners to gather more information about the device.
