Two senators on Wednesday, Jan. 15 commended the efforts made by three fisherfolk of Masbate for their "courage, vigilance and nationalism" in recovering and turning over a drone to the authorities last Dec. 30.
Senators Robinhood Padilla and Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino filed Senate Resolution 1277 lauding Jojo Cantela, 39; Rodnie Valenzuela, 31; and Jeric Arojado, 17, for their actions at Barangay Inarawan, San Pascual town in Masbate.
"It is imperative to highlight the value of collaborating with our local fisherfolks and other maritime stakeholders to complement our naval assets in terms of keeping an eye on our territorial waters," they said.
Padilla, in his sponsorship speech, lauded the three for setting a good example to the people of being alert and vigilant especially on matters involving national security.
"Isa rin po itong patunay sa bisa ng kolaborasyon sa pagitan ng ating mga komunidad at pamahalaan para sa ating mga kolektibong hangarin para sa ating bayan (This proves the effect of collaboration between the community and government, for the good of our nation)," he added.
Padilla and Tolentino noted the discovery and retrieval of the drone in Philippine waters called the attention of our defense sector, as it may have implications in relation to laws such as the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, and even our country’s territorial integrity and national security.
Padilla and Tolentino encouraged vigilance among members of our communities in reporting suspicious activities "as vital part of the government’s efforts to protect national security and sovereignty."
Earlier reports indicated the fishermen recovered the submersible drone and turned it over to the Explosive Ordnance Division/K9 Regional Explosive and Canine Unit 5. The drone is now in the custody of the Philippine Navy and is being analyzed.
Padilla and Tolentino likewise agreed with the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Public Affairs Office that the recovery of the drone "highlights the significance of cooperation with local fisherfolk and maritime stakeholders."