Philippine fishermen have once again discovered an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) of Chinese origin in the waters off the island of Palawan. The approximately 3.6-meter-long device was recovered near Brgy. Barangonan, Linapacan, and was recovered by the
Philippine Coast Guard
(PCG).
According to initial investigations, it was a compact probe for measuring salinity, temperature and water depth – typical sensor technology used for oceanographic profiling. The Coast Guard explained that the robust metal frame and design are characteristic of autonomous underwater vehicles, commonly referred to as underwater drones.
PCG Secures Alleged Underwater Drone Recovered by Local Fishermen in Palawan Waters
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has taken custody of an alleged underwater drone recovered by local fishermen in the waters near Brgy. Barangonan, Linapacan, Palawan. This incident highlights… pic.twitter.com/yaz9nPI0Qj
– Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) September 30, 2025
The labeling attracted particular attention: several components of the device bore Chinese characters. The PCG announced on the X platform (formerly Twitter) that it was a system of Chinese origin.
Since July 2022, several similar underwater drones have already been discovered and recovered in Philippine waters – a further indication of the increasing presence of foreign sensor platforms in the strategically sensitive region around Palawan and the South China Sea.
In addition, there are repeated clashes between Filipino fishermen and the country’s coast guard and Chinese military. It was only in August that a Chinese destroyer rammed one of the
Chinese destroyer rammed one of its own coast guard vessels
.
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for more news about the Philippine armed forces and
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to further news about the Chinese armed forces.
