This handout photo from Police Regional Office 5 shows an underwater drone with Chinese markings recovered in Masbate on December 30, 2024.MANILA — Five underwater drones were recovered in various parts of the Philippines in 2024, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said two of the drones were recovered off Calayan Island in the Babuyan Group of Islands; one in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; one in Initao, Misamis Oriental; and the most recent discovery in San Pascual, Masbate last December.

 Underwater drone found off Masbate may have ‘military applications’: PH Navy

“We have already recovered 5 of these. They were given to us by our fishermen,” Trinidad told reporters in a press conference in Manila.

The official said the devices were “difficult to detect” when underwater but are visible when on the surface.

The drones underwent forensic analysis, which takes six to eight weeks.

So far, only one of the drones recovered in Calayan Island yielded results.

“These are designed to gather bathymetric data, specifically depth, salinity, oxygen level, temperature of the water. This information could have commercial value, academic value, and also military purposes and applications,” he said.

Following the recovery of the underwater drones, the Philippine Navy committed to ensuring the safety and security of the country’s maritime domain.

PH tells China: Withdraw monster ship near Zambales