The cannabis was in 32 plastic bags and weighed 16kg in total. - Photo: WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND/FACEBOOK
MANILA: A routine West Philippine Sea patrol by a Philippine navy warship led to the confiscation of suspected Chinese rocket debris and illegal drug packs, authorities said on Tuesday (Oct 21).
The navy’s BRP Lolinato To-ong conducted its regular patrol in the West Philippine Sea last week, according to Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Arlene Martinez in a regular military press briefing.
On Oct 18, the warship’s personnel found a floating black bag containing unidentified packages believed to be high-grade marijuana in the vicinity of Escoda Shoal, which is part of the South China Sea.
Capt Martinez said the personnel was deployed there following the report of the Maritime Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Unit (West) regarding floating bags in the area.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Oct 21 said there were 32 clear and black plastic bags weighing 16kg in total valued at P19.2 million (S$423,000).
Capt Martinez said that investigations are still ongoing to determine the origin of the illicit items.
Escoda Shoal serves as the rendezvous point for Filipino vessels carrying out resupply missions to the naval outpost in Ayungin Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre – a flashpoint of tensions between Manila and Beijing – has been aground since 1999.
Chinese rocket debris
On Oct 19, the navy also found suspected debris of a Chinese rocket off Bataraza town in Palawan, said Capt Martinez.
The navy official said the metallic debris bearing a Chinese flag was found approximately 12.17 nautical miles south-east of Rio Tuba village.
Last week, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed that the Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Hainan Island at around 9.30am on Oct 16.
PhilSA said possible drop points of these rocket debris were 45 nautical miles (NM) away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park; 118 NM away from El Nido, Palawan; 137 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and 34 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
“It was metallic debris. They still need to find out what it is, if it’s really related to the rocket [launch] which is being reported to social media or the other media outfits,” Capt Martinez said.
In September, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) found suspected rocket debris off the waters of Cuyo town in Palawan, also believed to be linked to a recent launch from China’s Long March rocket programme.
Capt Martinez said both the debris and illegal drugs were turned over to the authorities in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Oct 20.
The BRP Lolinato To-ong, a 32-meter gunboat named after a Medal of Valor awardee, has been patrolling the West Philippine Sea since it was commissioned in 2022. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
