China rocket debris may fall near Palawan, Rozul Reef -OCD

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday alerted the public and government agencies about possible Chinese rocket debris falling near Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and Rozul Reef.

Palawan and Basilan were placed on high alert due to potential hazards from China’s launch of a Long March 8A rocket, the OCD said in a statement. 

Originally scheduled for January 25, the launch was rescheduled for February 11, with a window between 9:22 a.m. and 10:16 a.m.

The OCD released updated coordinates for three designated drop zones:

• Drop Zone 1 (85 nautical miles from Rozul Reef)
• N11 54 E116 48
• N12 38 E116 14
• N12 58 E116 40
• N12 14 E117 14
• Drop Zone 2 (40 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan)
• N10 19 E117 52
• N11 10 E117 14
• N11 13 E117 49
• N10 45 E118 28
• Drop Zone 3 (33 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan)
• N06 44 E120 37
• N07 36 E119 59
• N07 55 E120 26
• N07 04 E121 03

The OCD urged government agencies to impose temporary restrictions and issue advisories regarding these areas.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned against retrieving rocket debris, which may contain toxic substances. 

If contact is unavoidable, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used.

Residents and mariners should immediately report any debris sightings to local authorities, the OCD said. — DVM, GMA Integrated News