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Maintain diplomacy amid drone discovery: Sen. Robinhood Padilla cautions colleagues from making what seems to be defamatory statements that might affect diplomatic relations with China amid discovery of an underwater drone with Chinese markings off the coast of Masbate last December 30. Padilla, during Wednesday’s public hearing of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, January 15, 2025, made the statement while authorities are still conducting an initial assessment on the submersible drone. “Maybe, while we are studying it, let's avoid discussions that could affect our diplomatic relations with China and other neighboring countries,” the senator said in Filipino. “No one has owned this yet. In short, we don't know what this is,” he said. “Now, wherever it came from, let's not be hasty during this time when there are still fierce fighting happening in other parts of the world; it's frightening for us to get involved in the fight,” Padilla added. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)