In the middle of the country’s battle against Super Typhoon “Uwan,” the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered debris with Chinese markings believed to be from a rocket along the shores of Burgos, Ilocos Norte on Sunday, Nov 9.

According to the PCG, personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Burgos were conducting mobile and foot patrols to remind fishermen not to sail as Uwan lashed Luzon mainland when they spotted suspicious metal debris that had washed ashore in Barangay Saoit.

The debris, which bore Chinese characters, was immediately cordoned off and reported to local authorities.

The CGSS Burgos coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Burgos 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.