Manila: An official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is doubtful that China can get permission from the Philippines over the conduct of marine scientific research (MSR) within the latter's territory. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega made the statement during a public inquiry of the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones into the submersible drone that was recently recovered off the waters of Masbate.
According to Philippines News Agency, De Vega expressed skepticism about granting China permission for marine scientific research, citing the technical working group's critical role in evaluating such requests. This group, chaired by the DFA, is responsible for deciding whether to allow another state to conduct MSR in the country. De Vega highlighted that since 1996, the Philippine government has granted only 68 MSR requests, primarily from Japan, conducted in the waters off Mindanao.
De Vega emphasized that during foreign MSR activities, the Philippine government mandates the inclusion of Filipino scientists who must have access to all data acquired. When questioned by Senator Francis Tolentino about the possibility of allowing China to conduct MSR, De Vega underscored the importance of Beijing respecting Manila's sovereignty before any collaboration.
Apart from adhering to local laws and policies, Article 245 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) requires express consent from the coastal state for foreign countries to conduct MSR in its territorial sea. The recent recovery of a submersible drone, suspected to be owned by China, near Masbate has further intensified scrutiny.
The Senate probe, as stated by Senator Tolentino, aims to determine whether the drone violated maritime and international laws or posed a threat to Philippine sovereignty. The drone, identified as H-Y Drone Number 119, is currently under forensic investigation by the Philippine Navy, with a prototype presented during the Senate hearing to assist lawmakers and officials.
The Navy has stated that it is too early to confirm the origin of the submersible drone. Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, noted that markings on the drone could be deceptive, necessitating a deliberate approach in their investigation. He described the submersible drone as an "underwater glider" used for gathering oceanographic data, with potential academic, commercial, and military applications.
Further forensic investigation by the Navy is anticipated to take six to eight weeks. Trinidad also urged local fisherfolk to report the presence of similar drones in Philippine waters, highlighting the ongoing concern for national security and sovereignty.
