MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) has recovered suspected Chinese rocket debris off the coast of Palawan during maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend.

In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said the debris, described as metallic and marked with a Chinese flag, was recovered by BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) in the waters of Bataraza on Sunday.

Martinez said the missile boat retrieved the object at “approximately 12.17 nautical miles southeast of (Barangay) Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.”

The debris has been transported to Puerto Princesa City for documentation, assessment, and disposition in coordination with concerned authorities.

BRP Lolinato To-Ong was also involved in recovering an estimated PHP19.2 million worth of suspected marijuana found floating in the waters of Sabina Shoal on Saturday. (PNA)