As Super Typhoon Uwan battered northern Luzon, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered suspected rocket debris bearing Chinese markings along the shores of Burgos, Ilocos Norte on Sunday, Nov. 9.
Personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Burgos were conducting mobile and foot patrols in Barangay Saoit to warn fishermen against sailing during the storm when they discovered the suspicious metal fragments washed ashore.
The debris, marked with Chinese characters, was immediately cordoned off and reported to local authorities for further investigation.
The CGSS Burgos coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) until they safely recovered and secured the material for assessment at 9:30 a.m.
PCG personnel warned residents and fishermen in the area to avoid approaching or touching the debris while investigation and validation were ongoing.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the object is part of rocket stages previously launched by China, several fragments of which have been found in the country’s waters in past years.
The discovery came as Uwan slammed into Luzon with powerful winds and heavy rains, forcing the evacuation of more than one million individuals and the disruption of communications and power lines in 12 regions. (Martin Sadongdong)
