PhilSA confirms explosion sound, smoke in Palawan linked to China rocket

The smoke trail and loud sound reported in Palawan on Monday evening were associated with the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said on Tuesday. 

“We have received reports of a visible smoke trail and a loud sound overhead by individuals in Palawan between 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. yesterday,” PhilSA told GMA News Online. 

“Initial assessment indicates that these are associated with the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center,” the agency added 

PhilSA said the Inter-agency TWG on Orbital Debris Protocols is verifying these sightings and that further details will be released once more information is available.

In a separate statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also confirmed that the sound of explosion reported in Palawan was related to China’s rocket launch. 

“The PCG has confirmed the monitoring of rocket-related activity in the eastern part of Palawan on August 4, 2025, where a series of five loud explosions were—described as booming sounds—originating from the east, aligning with a previously issued public advisory regarding a scheduled launch from China,” PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a statement. 

“Upon immediate verification, a visible condensation trail was observed in the sky, consistent with rocket exhaust or propulsion,” he added. 

According to Tarriela, the PCG continues to prioritize maritime safety and environmental protection in Philippine waters. 

“Mariners and the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings of potential debris to local PCG stations,” Tarriela said. 

“No immediate threats to safety or navigation have been reported as a result of this event,” he added.

AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the Western Command deployed an aircraft and a vessel to ensure that no debris will be left behind.

“After kahapon, nag-deploy ang [Wescom] ng aircraft [at] barko ngayong umaga, just to ensure walang debris na maiwan kasi ang debris pag nasa dagat at lalo pag malaki ito, hazard to navigation. Ang mga dadaang mga barko doon lalo pag hindi na makita ay posibling matamaan ito. Bagamat remote ang chance kasi sa lawak ng karagatan, minabuti ng Western Command na maka-responde sila,” he said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.

(After yesterday, the [Wescom] deployed an aircraft [and] vessel this morning, just to ensure that there were no debris left because large debris at sea can be hazards to navigation. The ships passing by, especially the large ones, may hit it. Even if the chance was remote with how wide the sea is, the Western Command found it better to respond.)  —with a report from Jiselle Anne Casucian/KG/AOL, GMA Integrated News