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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Foreign drone threat to national security – Tolentino

Foreign drone threat to national security – Tolentino

Published Jan 19, 2025 05:06 am

CEBU CITY – Sen. Francis Tolentino described the discovery of a China-made submersible drone in the sea of Masbate last week as a threat to national security.

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TOLENTINO (FB)

Tolentino said a deeper investigation should be conducted to find out why the drone was in the country.

“Based on the report of the Philippine National Police, the drone is owned by China,” said Tolentino, who was in Cebu on Friday night, Jan. 17, to attend the Mayor’s Night of the Cebu City government.

Tolentino added that the presence of the drone in the country raised a lot of suspicions. "First, it has no permit. Second, we don’t know what data it transmitted,” said Tolentino.

He said it remains uncertain how long the drone had been in the country before it was discovered.

“From what I know, the duration of the battery can last up to 300 days. That’s almost a year,” added Tolentino.

The drone’s battery was drained when it was found.

The Philippine Maritime Admiralty Zone initiated a hearing following the discovery of the drone.

A forensic examination on the drone was also conducted by the Philippine Navy, the senator disclosed. 

“The sensors are sensitive so we have to wait for the official report of the Philippine Navy. We can’t speculate,” said Tolentino.

The Senate commended a group of fishermen for discovering the drone through a resolution during a hearing. Tolentino and Sen. Robin Padilla initiated the passage of the resolution commending the fishermen.

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DRONE Cebu province Sen. Francis N. Tolentino
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