PH files diplomatic protest vs. China over Pag-asa island incident

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16) — The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest against China over what was believed to be a rocket debris retrieved by the navy in the West Philippine Sea that was "forcefully" seized by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel.

This was confirmed on Friday by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which said the protest note was dated Dec. 12 in the wake of the incident in November near Pag-asa island, a municipality of Palawan.

Beijing denied there was force involved, claiming it was a "friendly consultation" between the parties.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila said it has no information yet on Beijing's response to the latest diplomatic protest.

The DFA initially issued a note verbale seeking clarification from China, upon instructions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

On Wednesday, the Senate passed a resolution condemning what it described as China's "bullying" in the West Philippine Sea.

The DFA said it appreciates the clarity with which the Senate expressed its views on a wide scope of issues on the disputed waters.

CNN Philippines' correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.