Category: Business Mirror

The low-pressure area east of Southern Luzon has developed into a Tropical Depression and is now threatening to bring hazards in land areas and coastal waters in the region, the state weather bureau said.

Paolo, the 16th weather disturbance to affect the country, is less likely to directly affect the weather conditions in the next 24 hours but it is expected to bring heavy rains on Friday, threatening Northern Luzon and portions of Central Luzon.

According to the weather bureau, the eye of the storm was spotted 760 km East of Virac, Catanduanes, and is moving westward at 25 km/h.

It is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.

‘Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon as early as this afternoon or evening. The highest Wind Signal that will likely be hoisted throughout its passage is Wind Signal No. 3. However, since the possibility of reaching typhoon category before landfall is not ruled out, the worst case scenario is Wind Signal No. 4.,’ the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin.

Risk of coastal flooding

‘There is a potential risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge in low-lying coastal areas of Northern and Central Luzon due to the passage of Paolo,’ PAGASA said.

Paolo may also bring moderate to rough seas over the coastal waters of Northern and Central Luzon starting Friday.

Paolo is forecast to move generally west-northwestward for the entire forecast period.

Paolo may make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning or afternoon.

PAGASA said a further southward shift of the track is possible depending on the strength of the high-pressure area to the north of Paolo.

Paolo will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm or typhoon category by Friday morning.

AT least 62 people were killed and 201 were injured in the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on Tuesday night, the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said.

‘We have confirmed the death of 62, and we are still verifying reports coming. We have a report that says 201 persons were injured,’ Patricia Vasaya, monitoring officer at PDRRMO, said.

Many of the victims were rushed to the Bogo City Hospital, which recorded 30 deaths as of 2 p.m.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said rescue, retrieval and relief operations are on-going, with the hope of saving lives. Tuesday night’s temblor is the strongest earthquake that hit Northern Cebu in history.

Owing to the Magnitude 6.9 earthquake, the provincial government of Cebu declared a state of calamity. In line with this, a price ceiling on agricultural commodities is in effect, as mandated by Republic Act 7581 or ‘The Price Act.’

Among those killed were rescuers deployed by the Coast Guard (PCG).

Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Jujay Mahusay, and ASN Ert Cart Dacunes, were killed following the collapse of the San Remegio Sports Complex in San Remegio, Cebu, during the earthquake.

DSWD sends relief items

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday reported that more than 27,000 families across 42 barangays have been affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the number of affected families is expected to rise as assessments continue as he assured Cebuanos that their immediate needs, including food and water, will be promptly addressed.

‘While there is much work to be done for recovery, President Marcos instructed us to prioritize the immediate needs of affected families. Relief efforts will focus first on what they need now,’ he said during his rounds in Bogo City, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Fresh from overseeing relief operations in Masbate, which was also recently struck by Typhoon Opong, the DSWD chief supervised the distribution of family food packs (FFPs), marking the agency’s initial wave of assistance for quake victims. Boxes of FFPs were immediately dispatched to Bogo City, with additional aid expected to support ongoing relief operations. Ready-to-eat food (Rtef) boxes, containing meals requiring minimal preparation, are also set to be distributed.

The DSWD currently maintains a stockpile of over 300,000 FFPs at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City. In addition to food aid, the Department will deploy disaster response vehicles and equipment, including mobile command centers, mobile kitchens, water treatment units, and tanker trucks.

‘All of these will arrive by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday,’ Gatchalian said.

In terms of cash assistance, Gatchalian assured the provincial local government of Cebu that the DSWD’s Field Office 7-Central Visayas will provide cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Benefits under AICS include medical assistance to the injured locals and burial assistance for families who lost their loved ones from the powerful quake.

The department is also preparing psychosocial interventions to help the affected families and individuals deal with the trauma caused by the late Tuesday night earthquake.

For the recovery phase, the DSWD chief said the agency will provide emergency cash assistance (ECT) as soon as the clean list of beneficiaries is provided by the concerned local governments (LGU).

‘These cash transfers allow families to prioritize their own needs, whether it’s rebuilding homes or restoring livelihoods,’ Gatchalian explained.

Gatchalian has instructed all DSWD Field Offices to be on standby and their personnel ready to be deployed to augment the manpower and resources of Field Office-Central Visayas.

The department also said it will provide burial assistance to families of those who died as a result of the earthquake.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the agency’s field office in Central Visayas will also provide P10,000 cash assistance to the families who lost their loved ones.

First in history

THE earthquake occurred at exactly 9:59 p.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The epicenter of the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake, with a depth of five kilometers, was traced in Bogo City, Cebu.

It generated an Intensity VII ground-shaking event in the City of Bogo, and the towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio and Tabuelan, while Intensity VI was also in Murcia, Negros Occidental; as well as Bantayan, Borbon, Catmon and Sogod, also in Cebu province.

John Deximo, Senior Science Specialist at Phivolcs, said the agency will deploy a quick response team to conduct an assessment of the damage caused by the earthquake. He said the strong earthquake, which was triggered by movements in a local offshore fault, is a first in Cebu.

‘This [earthquake] is a first in northern Cebu. We are calling it the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake. This is the first time that a strong earthquake was recorded in northern Cebu. We are still gathering information. From what we see in the social media posts, we have moderate to heavy damage in structures, buildings and infrastructure, so we will deploy immediate QRT from our team to assess local governments,’ Deximo, a seismologist, said.

He said outside Cebu, the event is expected to affect other provinces in Central Visayas, and other nearby provinces in Luzon and Mindanao.

‘We will have to assess the damage and will refine the reported intensities,’ he said.

Deximo said the QRT will be deployed within the day, and they are expected to assess the damage in buildings, roads, bridges, and investigate geohazards such as liquefaction and landslides, and come up with recommendations for possible evacuation and putting up of an evacuation center where affected communities will be safe.

The Phivolcs Earthquake Information on the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake reported that Intensity V was felt in Cataingan, Esperanza, and Pio V. Corpuz, in Masbate; City of Cadiz, Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, City of San Carlos, San Enrique, City of Sipalay and Toboso Negros Occidental; Dauis, City of Tagbilaran, and Talibon, in Bohol; Alcoy, Argao, Asturias, Carmen, Compostela, Consolacion, Dalaguete, Danao City, Liloan, Oslob, Samboan, San Fernando, and Santander, in Cebu; Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City,

Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Culaba, Kawayan, Maripipi, and Naval in Biliran; Abuyog, Alangalang, Albuera, Babatngon, Barugo, Bato, City of Baybay, Burauen, Calubian, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Isabel, Jaro, Javier, Julita, Kananga, La Paz, Leyte, Macarthur, Matag-Ob, Matalom, Mayorga, Merida, Palo, Palompon, Pastrana, San Isidro, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tabango, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Tolosa, Tunga, and Villaba, Leyte; Ormoc City and Tacloban City.

The earthquake was also strongly felt in areas as far as Albay, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Camiguin province.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) also reported three related incidents in Central Luzon, including a landslide, a structural fire, and the collapse of infrastructure.

So far, 22 damaged infrastructures have been recorded, including one road section and five bridge sections.

The NDRRMC said eight cities and towns experienced power interruption.

At least 46 cities and towns in Central Visayas have already cancelled classes, while four cities and municipalities declared work suspension because of the earthquake.

President Marcos ordered concerned government agencies to deploy immediate aid and emergency funds in the areas in the island province.

Hours after the quake hit, Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian, Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque flew to the province to coordinate government support, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Marcos also directed the Department of Health (DOH) to check the status of the personnel of the medical facilities, which are near the affected areas so they can assist the quake victims.

‘Doctors, nurses, and staff of the DOH Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center [VSMMC] and the DOH Cebu South Medical Center [CSMC] have reported back on their safety. They are now deploying medical teams to nearby areas, especially in Bogo City itself,’ PCO said.

PCO said the Department of the Interior and Local Government has also mobilized personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the National Police (PNP) to help search and rescue operations as well as to prevent looting and maintain order.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has P379 million in standby funds and has 2.4 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned nationwide which can be tapped to provide relief to the affected areas.

Of the food packs, 300,000 are spread all over Cebu and ready for immediate distribution, Gatchalian said.

For its part, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the agencies which are responding to the recent disaster may use their Quick Response Funds (QRF) to provide urgent relief and recovery initiatives.

It noted that agencies may seek replenishment from the DBM once their QRF balance has been reduced to at least 50 percent.

The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed medical teams to Bogo City, Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Tuesday night.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the first batch of the emergency response team came from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City.

In addition, the DOH Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) on Wednesday has also deployed medical teams not only in Bogo City but in nearby areas.

The DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs-regional offices) in Central and Eastern Visayas have reported back and are now coordinating with their regional counterparts of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Herbosa said.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its ambulances from Cebu, Bogo, and Masbate to assist those affected by the earthquake.

The PRC said that its volunteers continue to respond on the scene to provide essential medical care.a

LeBron James sat out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first practice of training camp with a minor injury Tuesday.

James has ‘a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute,’ coach JJ Redick said after the workout at the Lakers’ training complex.

James will become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons when the Lakers open the regular season on Oct. 21 against Golden State. That game is the target for James and the Lakers, who will work together to manage the 40-year-old superstar’s workload against injuries and exhaustion, particularly during training camp.

While the top scorer in NBA history still might play during the preseason, Redick said the Lakers are ‘playing the long game with LeBron.’

James was named to the All-NBA second team last year after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds while staying largely healthy and playing in 70 games. Redick said the Lakers want to keep James close to full health throughout the season, with the goal of being prepared for the playoffs.

Gabe Vincent (left knee), newcomer Marcus Smart (left Achilles) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee) also didn’t fully participate in the Lakers’ first practice.

Los Angeles opens its preseason schedule Friday night in Palm Desert, California, against the Phoenix Suns.

THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) commends the signing of Republic Act (RA) 12254, or the e-Governance Act, which streamlines and institutionalizes the government’s digital transition.

Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson of the BCCP recognized the enactment as a reinforcement of current initiatives to eliminate red tape, while further boosting the country’s overall digital economy.

According to Nelson, this development aligns with broader government initiatives to eliminate red tape, with the BCCP acting as a champion of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), enabling direct reporting on related issues.

The chamber also noted that, ‘beyond strengthening governance, this law also positions the Philippines as a stronger investment destination in the region. By streamlining processes, cutting red tape, and embracing digital innovation, the e-Governance Act reinforces a modern, business-friendly environment-one that

enhances the country’s competitiveness, attracts higher levels of foreign direct investment, and drives long-term, sustainable economic growth.’

Nelson also welcomed the passage of other priority legislation such as the Konektadong Pinoy Act and Investors’ Lease Act: ‘We wish to commend the current administration, because [it is taking a really proactive approach to passing legislation. We have been a key advocate for this as] an ARTA Champion, and e-Governance will certainly assist that.’

For him, these developments can be linked to ‘further increasing the country’s digital trade that will encourage more investments in digital infrastructure, e-commerce, and other industries.’

The BCCP official pointed out that digital transformation reforms must be complemented by measures to strengthen and institutionalize cybersecurity by way of the passage of the Cybersecurity Act, which will enhance the country’s digital and cyber infrastructure, while ensuring a more resilient Philippine digital economy.

According to Nelson, these developments will also strengthen the expanding trade relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines, which reached £3 billion in the four quarters ending the first three months of 2025.

He also highlighted the just-established UK-Philippine Joint Economic and Trade Committee or JETCO, and the Philippines’ interest to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership or the CPTPP.

Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz has introduced the Philippines as a major hub for economic services market in Asia.

In his speech at the recent Philippine Country Forum at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in China’s capital city, FlorCruz urged Chinese investors, innovators and business owners to choose the Philippines as a destination for their next projects.

‘The Philippines is a strong and stable country, and a global center of competitive services in Asia,’ the country’s envoy to China said. ‘We are open for business and we welcome China-our largest trading partner-to partner with us in high-growth services and industries.’

This year marks 50 years of Philippine-Chinese formal diplomatic relations, but trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have spanned for more than a thousand years.

According to FlorCruz, the Philippines is further improving its business-friendly climate, as well as new benefits from the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act-a piece of legislation that lowers corporate income tax and provides clearer and more focused incentives for businesses.

The law aims to make the country a more attractive business destination, support the recovery of companies and strengthen its competitiveness in the region.

Also, the envoy highlighted FiberHome-a Chinese networking and telecommunication equipment provider with successful Philippine operations.

FiberHome, FlorCruz said, is living proof that progress can be achieved by investing in the Philippines.

‘We invite Chinese businessmen to visit the Philippine Pavilion and explore the possibilities of future cooperation-combining China’s cutting-edge technology and Filipino excellence in the field of services,’ he said.

NEWLY-INSTALLED Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has ordered the suspension of masses and other parish activities in the northern towns of the province following the strong earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night.

In an advisory, the Archdiocese of Cebu said Uy directed all parishes to immediately undergo structural assessments of their churches and rectories before these can be used again.

‘To the parishes in the North that have been gravely affected, you are asked to refrain from using your churches for the celebration of the Holy Mass until the proper experts have carried out the assessment and declared the structures safe for use,’ the advisory said.

The directive came after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake left several heritage churches badly damaged.

The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, built in 1886, partially collapsed.

In a Facebook post, the shrine said the retablo image of Santa Rosa de Lima remain unscathed after it was ‘wrapped around some unused plastic bags.’ It noted that the image was one of the few icons that was not damaged by the earthquake.

Meanwhile, in Bantayan, portions of the outer facade of the Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol, which was completed in 1863, also gave way during the tremor.

The Cebu archdiocese urged the faithful to place their trust in God during this period of uncertainty.

‘We continue to pray to our Loving Father for calmness and strength in the midst of these trials. We entrust ourselves, our families, and our communities into His merciful hands. May the Lord shelter us under His wings, protect us from every harm, and guide us to safety and peace,’ it said.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has slapped a temporary ban on molasses imports to stabilize domestic stocks and prop up millsite prices.

The SRA issued Molasses Order (MO) 1 following the surge in shipments of imported molasses and the spike in the local output of the raw sugar byproduct.

Molasses imports for crop year 2024-2025 jumped to 853,285 metric tons (MT) as of end-August, 28 percent higher than the average annual shipments in the three previous crop years.

Local production of the sugar byproduct also rose by 21 percent to 1.18 million metric tons (MMT) in the reference period from 975,934 MT last year. This resulted in a domestic millsite stock balance of 303,961 MT.

The SRA noted that the millsite price of domestic molasses also plunged by 30 percent year-on-year to P12,000 per MT as of August 24.

‘Farmers, planters, sugar mills, and other stakeholders have expressed grave concerns on the issues of the stock balance of domestic molasses as well as the marked decrease in its millsite prices,’ MO 1 read.

‘There is, likewise, a concern on the apparent discrepancy between the volume of locally produced molasses used as feedstock by bioethanol producers and the corresponding volume of the products resulting therefrom.’

As such, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the agency needs to verify that the feedstock used for bioethanol was local.

Under the Biofuels Act of 2006 or Republic Act (RA) 9367, all liquid fuels for motors and engines sold in the country should be blended with locally-sourced biofuels components.

‘There is thus a need to impose a moratorium on the importation of molasses, and to revisit and review the policies and practices on the same, if only to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between the local production and the importation of molasses.’

The MO stipulated that the temporary ban on molasses imports will remain in effect until December 31, 2025 unless otherwise shortened or extended by the agency.

During the period of the ban, the SRA said it would not accept applications for import clearance of molasses.

However, all pending applications filed with the agency before the MO are deemed exempted. Imported shipments of molasses already in transit or covered by a purchase order as of the effectivity of the MO are also not included in the ban.

The SRA noted that imported molasses arriving in the country after November 30 would be covered by the MO and would not be issued import clearances.

Any violation of the provision under the order would be a ground for the revocation or non-renewal of the SRA registration of the molasses importer, it added.

In the aftermath of the recent typhoons that deeply affected many communities and left countless Filipinos striving to recover, the ALC Group of Companies once again showed its commitment to community service. On September 25, 2025, the company turned over cash donations and relief goods to Caritas Manila, Inc. in a simple ceremony at the Caritas Manila Compound in Pandacan, Manila.

Representing the ALC Group were the children of ALC Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon-Giannina Eunice A. Cabangon, Isuzu Gencars Operations Executive; Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon, Eternal Group Operations Executive; and Antonio Carlos G. Cabangon, Special Assistant to the Chairman of Aliw Broadcasting Corp. They personally handed the donations to Caritas Manila’s Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual, symbolizing the Group’s collective effort to stand with affected communities in their time of need.

The donations form part of the ALC Bayanihan Program, a company-wide initiative that brings together the management and employees of the ALC Group to extend assistance to those impacted by calamities. Beyond immediate relief, the program is designed to support rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts, ensuring that affected families can move forward with renewed strength and hope.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon shared: ‘Growing up, we witnessed how our grandfather, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, and our father, D. Edgard A. Cabangon, always made it a point to extend help to our fellow Filipinos. Inspired by their example, our generation is committed to carrying on this legacy of malasakit through initiatives that bring hope and support to those in need.’

This is not the first time the ALC Group has extended support to Caritas Manila. In previous years, the Group donated Isuzu Traviz utility vans, along with cash and in-kind contributions, to reinforce Caritas Manila’s programs for the poor and marginalized.

Founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and now chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon, the ALC Group continues to uphold its founder’s principle: that true success in business must go hand in hand with service to the community.

Celebrating a decade of digital marketing innovation, the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, will set the stage for unlocking the next evolution of customer engagement at the 10th edition of the annual Digital Congress (DigiCon), with the theme, ‘The Age of ‘i’: The Power of Personalization,’ to be held on October 16 to 17, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Now in its 10th year, the major digital convention will gather global and local industry experts, thought leaders, and technology pioneers to explore the complexities of personalization in an AI-driven world, unlocking strategies for scalable and impactful connections.

DigiCon ‘The Age of ‘i’ 2025 will offer attendees opportunities to learn, interact, and collaborate through five focused tracks:

Innovation (AI)

Intelligence (Data Science)

Immersive (Retail and Activations)

Impact (Brand Building)

Integration (Business Transformation)

These tracks, along with various practical and immersive activities, aim to enable attendees to explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in personalized marketing, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among industry professionals.

‘We are entering an era where personalization is paramount. This year’s theme, ‘The Age of ‘i,’ celebrates the transformative power of technology to create unique, meaningful connections with customers. In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, brands must navigate how to cultivate personal experiences in a connected world, driving stronger brand loyalty and effective customer experience. DMAP DigiCon 2025 will be the destination to empower digital marketers to navigate this era and explore the future of personalized experiences,’ DigiCon 2025 Chair Alan Fontanilla said.

Delegates of this year’s event will also get the opportunity to obtain program certifications in partnership with the Certified Digital Marketer (CDM). This initiative aligns with DMAP’s mission to future-proof the industry by providing crucial insights and skills, empowering marketers to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age amid evolving consumer behaviors and rapid technological shifts.

‘Filipinos are even more connected and are changing their habits digitally, so digital marketers must possess new levels of expertise and adaptability. DMAP is committed to leading the industry in navigating this complex landscape, providing the critical insights and skills necessary to thrive in an era of hyper-personalization. We continue to strive towards fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, and where professionals are equipped to shape the future of digital engagement,’ DMAP President Miko David said.

Building on past successes, DigiCon The Age of ‘i’ 2025 expects to attract over 2,000 attendees from various sectors, including marketing, advertising, business, academia, media, and innovation.

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said that it has taken into custody an alleged underwater Chinese drone recovered by local fishermen in Palawan waters over the weekend.

‘On Sept. 28, 2025, fishermen from Sitio Tapic, Brgy. New Colaylayan, Linapacan, discovered the approximately 12-foot-long device during routine fishing operations. Later that evening, they turned the AUV [autonomous underwater vehicle] over to Coast Guard personnel,’ it added.

The maritime law enforcement agency also stressed that this alleged UAV had been safely transported and secured at PCG Station Linapacan for further verification, technical examination, and investigation, in coordination with relevant national security agencies.

‘This incident highlights ongoing illegal marine scientific research in Philippine waters, amid a pattern of similar events involving foreign-origin autonomous AUVs,’ it added.

Preliminary observations show that the device features a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensor-a compact probe designed to measure seawater salinity, temperature, and depth, which are key parameters for oceanographic profiling.

The sensor includes Chinese labeling (”) and a serial number (CTD-20090334), along with visible corrosion from prolonged saltwater exposure. It is mounted on a rugged metal frame, typical of components in autonomous underwater vehicles commonly known as ‘underwater drones.’

This recovery fits into a series of similar incidents in Philippine waters dating back to July 2022, including devices found in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte (July 2022); off the Zambales coast (September 2022); Calayan Island, Cagayan (August 2024); Initao, Misamis Oriental (October 2024); and San Pascual, Masbate (December 2024).

At least three of those prior recoveries have been linked to Chinese deployment, based on evidence such as China Telecom SIM cards, iridium transceivers connected to Beijing-based HWA Create (a defense contractor), and battery packs marked by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.

Previous forensic analyses of similar recovered AUVs have identified them as tools for advanced underwater surveillance and seafloor mapping.

The integrated CTD sensor allows for the collection of data on salinity, temperature gradients, depth, and acoustic propagation-essential for bathymetric charting and environmental monitoring. Recovered units have shown capabilities for autonomous data processing, storage, and satellite transmission, with one case revealing encrypted communications to mainland China during operations.

‘The PCG remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime domain and protecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,’ PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, said.

‘We commend the quick action of the local fishermen for reporting this find. This incident highlights the need for continued community awareness and a whole-of-nation approach to deter unauthorized activities in our waters,’ he added.

The device is undergoing detailed forensic examination to determine its exact origin, operational history, and potential security risks.

The public is urged to report any suspicious maritime objects to the nearest Coast Guard station.