Chinese Embassy mum on found drone

THE Embassy of China in Manila has yet to comment on the discovery of a submersible drone off the coast of San Pascual, Masbate, which was suspected of Chinese origin. A Chinese Embassy representative said Friday that media inquiries had already been forwarded to Beijing for official comments. Local fishermen found the 6-foot-long drone floating vertically in the water unresponsive. The submersible was primarily made of PVC and metal. Authorities said the remote-controlled drone was likely intended for underwater communication and navigation. Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said he would file a resolution for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. "This inquiry explores the origins and implications of the drone's presence in Philippine waters. We must understand the drone's origin and intent," he said. "While surveillance efforts are expected, a thorough investigation is essential," Tolentino added. Tolentino said Republic Act 12064, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and Republic Act 12065, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law, require foreign vessels to use designated sea lanes when entering Philippine waters. Under Section 7 of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the Philippines' exclusive economic zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from its baselines, granting the country rights to explore, exploit, conserve and manage natural resources within these waters. This includes jurisdiction over artificial islands, marine scientific research and the vital protection of the marine environment. For any marine scientific research, particularly involving drones, compliance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and local laws is mandatory. "Drones used for marine scientific research within Philippine maritime zones must comply with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act," Tolentino added.