Rocket Debris Mula China, Bumagsak Malapit sa Palawan at Sulu Waters — PhilSA Nag-Warning

Debris from a Chinese Long March 8A rocket may have splashed down dangerously close to Philippine territory early Friday morning, prompting the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) to issue urgent warnings to ships, fishing boats, and aircraft in the affected areas.

According to PhilSA, the rocket launched from Hainan, China at around 3:49 AM Manila time. Two projected drop zones were identified — one within the Philippine exclusive economic zone about 162 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan, and another within Philippine archipelagic waters just 32 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, and 47 nautical miles from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

While PhilSA said the fragments are not expected to hit any landmass or populated areas, the agency cautioned that falling debris could endanger vessels and aircraft passing through the drop zones. Some pieces may even float and eventually wash up on nearby shorelines.

An uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket's upper stages is also possible, PhilSA added. The agency urged the public to report any suspected debris sightings to local authorities and warned against retrieving or touching any materials, which may contain toxic remnants of rocket fuel.

The information was initially released via a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), and PhilSA had circulated a pre-launch advisory to concerned government bodies before the launch. This latest incident adds to growing concerns about China's rocket debris repeatedly landing near Philippine waters.

Source: GMA News