The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command yesterday confirmed a report from Naval Station Emilio Liwanag that a large piece of metal debris floating about 800 yards West off Pag-asa Island was "forcibly" taken by the Chinese Coast Guard.

WestCom said the debris was discovered, through a long-range camera. It is suspected to be part of a satellite rocket earlier launched by the Chinese.

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, WestCom commander, said an ocular inspection was immediately conducted following the report.

While the debris was being towed by the Philippine defense and security team, Carlos said the China Coast Guard vessel with Bow Number 5203 (CCGV5203) approached the Filipino vessel's location and blocked its pre-plotted course twice.

"As observed by the team while en route, the object was drifting toward Pag-asa Islands Cay 1 sand bar due to strong waves and currents. Upon arrival, the team immediately retrieved the floating object, tied it securely to their boat, and started towing it back to NSEL," he said.

The Chinese vessel then deployed its Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat over the island.

"The said CCGB RHIB forcefully retrieved said floating object by cutting the towing line attached to the NSEL rubber boat. CCGV RHIB then towed it back to CCGV5203," Carlos said, noting that the NSEL team decided to return to Pag-Asa Island following the retrieving incident.

"No member of the NSEL Team was injured during this incident," he said.

Meanwhile, WestCom spokesperson, Major Cherryl Tindog, said the information has been reported to the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea for appropriate action.

"We exerted a maximum tolerance since it's an unidentified (debris), then the object is not a matter of life and death so the team decided to go back Naval Station Emilio Liwanag," Tindog told the reporters in a message.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila is yet to issue a statement about the incident.