Philippine fishermen stumbled upon what authorities suspect to be a Chinese underwater surveillance drone near the coast of Ambulong Island, intensifying concerns over Beijing's increasing military interests within the archipelago's internal waters. The small, six-foot long drone, marked "HY-119," was found about six miles off the coast of San Pascual municipality, Masbate, on December 30, 2024. This location is approximately 400 nautical miles from the nearest Chinese bases.
Upon discovering the strange device, the fishermen turned it over first to the Philippine National Police (PNP), which then handed it to the Philippine Navy for detailed analysis. It has been characterized as a potentially advanced undersea glider, likely equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Officials worry what this means for national security as tensions between the Philippines and China remain high.
"The recovery of the HY-119 system has significant implications, as it provides insights to advanced underwater technology and naval capabilities," stated the PNP. This incident echoes previous reported events—at least three similar drones were recovered across various locations in Indonesia between 2019 and 2020, raising questions about Chinese activities throughout Southeast Asia.
Identified as a seaglider, the drone reportedly lacks any visible propellers but features wing-like structures enabling it to change buoyancy, allowing it to rise and glide through the water. Such drones can collect oceanographic data, including salinity and temperature, with applications aligning both with maritime research and possible military reconnaissance. "If this is a Chinese drone, as seems likely, it indicates a troubling level of Chinese interest in the Philippine waters," commented maritime strategy expert Ray Powell.
Images released by the PNP show markings of "HY-119" and "HY-L0119" on the device, leading to speculation about the drone's navigation and communication capabilities. Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, PNP Bicol regional director, noted, "Based on our open-source research [...] this can be used for monitoring and reconnaissance." The potential military applications of such technology add another layer to already strained relations between China and the Philippines.
The situation mirrors earlier incidents involving the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), particularly concerning the December 2016 seizure of a U.S. Navy underwater drone by Chinese forces. Both events highlight the increasing challenges the Philippines faces as China expands its influence and conducts assertive operations within the region's contested waters. Recent months have seen aggressive actions from the Chinese Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal, which has been affirmed to belong to the Philippines through international adjudication.
Authorities are currently examining the recovered drone's construction and capabilities to assess its potential impact on national security and maritime operations. Solutions may include reaching out to allies, particularly the United States, for technological assistance. The U.S. military and intelligence community have specialized efforts dedicated to analyzing foreign, non-American systems.
With the discovery of the underwater drone, the Philippines may urge people to be cautious about similar objects they might encounter at sea. The PNP has explicitly advised against touching any suspicious devices and to report such finds immediately.
Given the rapid developments surrounding this discovery, experts suggest the incident could potentially reshape how the Philippines approach their maritime security strategy going forward. It places the focus squarely on both the immediate and the long-term frameworks necessary to respond to unidentified vessels and devices encroaching on their territorial waters.
This alarming turn of events will likely engage not only local military and law enforcement agencies but also heighten the diplomatic dialogue with regional partners as the Philippines seeks to secure its seas against unwanted surveillance and potential aggression from external forces.