The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is weighing the possibility of filing a diplomatic protest over underwater drones recovered in Philippine waters
Rachelle ToneladaThe Department of Foreign Affairs is weighing the possibility of filing a diplomatic protest over underwater drones recovered in Philippine waters once it is confirmed that these belong to a foreign state.
“Under Article 245 of UNCLOS, the expressed consent from the coastal state is needed for a foreign country to conduct marine scientific research in its territorial sea,” De Vega said. “So, that is a violation. If China has it, well, we’re gonna protest instead once you admit that the drone is yours.”
Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, revealed on Tuesday that five underwater drones have been recovered across different locations in the country since 2024. This includes a recent discovery in San Pascual, Masbate.
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