PCG recovers suspected Chinese rocket debris off Occidental Mindoro

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recovered large floating debris believed to be from a Chinese rocket off the coast of Occidental Mindoro.

A local fisherman discovered the 10-by-14-foot alloy fragment—bearing the flag of the People’s Republic of China—while fishing about one nautical mile off Barangay Bonbon, Looc, on Thursday. He immediately alerted the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group and the PCG Sub-Station in Lubang.

Authorities said the debris may be linked to China’s Long March 7A rocket launch between July 15 and 17.

The PCG, along with barangay officials and disaster response teams, conducted a retrieval operation and secured the object in Sitio Balaguin, Barangay Maliig, for safekeeping and proper disposition.

The Coast Guard urged fishermen and coastal residents to promptly report any unusual floating objects to the nearest unit to ensure public safety and aid in investigations.