Drone found in Quezon unarmed, not for surveillance – US embassy

MANILA, Philippines - The unarmed aerial target drone recovered off the coast of Patnanungan Islet in Quezon last Sunday was launched last year during US naval exercises in Guam, but the device does not carry weapons and is not used for surveillance, the US embassy clarified yesterday.

The embassy said the aerial target is an expended BQM-74E Aerial Target launched during naval exercise Valiant Shield 2014 which took place Sept. 15 to 23 last year in the waters off Guam.

“The aerial target does not carry weapons and is not used for surveillance. The BQM-74E Aerial Target is used by surface ships and aircraft during exercises to help train our sailors in a realistic environment that provides the best possible training,” the embassy said in a statement.

The embassy added that during the exercise, all aerial operations were conducted in international airspace or with appropriate coordination and approval in Guam airspace.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon had sought an explanation from the US government regarding the target drone.

Ridon expressed concern that the drone is part of US covert military surveillance activities in the country.

Local policemen retrieved last Sunday near the islet in Quezon the floating US Navy aerial target drone that scared fishermen.

Police said a fisherman first spotted the orange drone near the islet of Patnanungan in Sitio Katakian, Barangay Busdak.

The markings of the drone indicate that it is owned by the US Navy.

Also inscribed on the drone are the serial number BQ 55079 and model number BQM 74E.

The Department of National Defense is also conducting an investigation on the floating US Navy aerial target drone found in Quezon.

“We are aware of what has been reported and the DND is making its own inquiry into this matter,” Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office told reporters. – With Delon Porcalla, Paolo Romero