The Civil  Aviation  Authority Of The Philippines (CAAP) said debris of unknown origin were discovered by authorities in junk shops in the towns of Mercedes and Guiaun, Northern Samar.

This was before the discovery of a huge debris in the shores near Anuron Beach in Mercedes last August 5, by local fishermen. 

An aviation official who requested anonymity said some of these were being sold by local residents of the area.

“This is not the first debris found, several parts believed from an aircraft were sold to other junk shops in the nearby area before fishermen disclosed their discoveries," the official said.

"Those found in junk shops include some aluminium braces and other metal believed to be part of an aircraft or something else,” the official added.

CAAP maintained there were no reports of any missing aircraft since the Enhanced Community Quarantine was implemented due to COVID-19.

Local authorities from the town secured the debris while waiting for the aircraft investigators from the CAAP. 
CAAP, however, cannot send investigators in the area at the moment because it is under quarantine.

Later in the afternoon of August 5, at about 3 km from the site where the huge debris was found, fishermen in Barangay Taytay, Guiuan, Eastern Samar also discovered another piece of debris, which they have since turned over to The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Arrangements for the investigation and search of other possible clues about the debris' origin have been initiated amid speculation that it came from a satellite.

READ MORE: Mysterious pieces of debris recovered in Eastern Samar