More aircraft debris sold to junk shops

MANILA, Philippines — More pieces of aircraft wreckage have been sold to junk shops in the towns of Mercedes and Guiuan, both in Eastern Samar even before local fishermen discovered the same debris near a beach last week.

“These were not the first debris found. Several parts believed from an aircraft were sold to junk shops in the area even before the fishermen reported their discovery,” an aviation official who requested anonymity said.

He was referring to the two large pieces of metal found separately on Aug. 5.

Several aluminium braces and other metal pieces believed to be parts of an aircraft were found in local junk shops, the official said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said there have been no reports of missing aircraft since the enhanced community quarantine was implemented in March.

Local officials have secured the debris found on the beaches of Mercedes and Guiuan as they await the arrival of aircraft investigators from CAAP to check the wreckage.

CAAP said it could not yet dispatch its investigators as the towns are under community quarantine.

It said it needed the approval of the local government units before it could send investigators to Mercedes and Guiuan.