Suspected China rocket debris recovered off Tubbataha Reef

The Philippine Navy has recovered a "large piece" of suspected Chinese rocket debris off the Tubbataha Reef marine park, following a recent warning from authorities that such material may fall in Palawan.

In a statement on Saturday, the Philippine Navy (PN) said the recovery operation was launched and completed on Tuesday, November 11. The material measured 12 feet by 21 feet. For comparison, the standard regulation height of a basketball hoop is 10 feet.

"The Western Naval Command (WESNAVCOM) of the Philippine Navy successfully recovered a large piece of suspected rocket debris this week, believed to be remnants from a Long March 12 rocket launched by the People's Republic of China," the statement said.

The debris was first spotted by a PN surveillance aircraft approximately 60 nautical miles northwest of Tubbataha Reef.

The BRP Andres Bonifacio proceeded to area, wherein "Upon arrival, the crew visually confirmed the object to be suspected space debris" about 49 nautical miles northwest of the reef.

A rigid hull inflatable boat was deployed to assess and secure the material, which has been turned over to the WESNAVCOM naval station in Puerto Princesa City for documentation, technical analysis, and disposition.

Amid the assault of Super Typhoon Uwan, the Philippine Coast Guard reported Sunday, November 10, that suspected rocket debris with Chinese markings were retrieved off the coast of Barangay Saoit, Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

The next day, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed that China launched a Long March 12 rocket. It warned the public that the debris was projected to have fallen in the vicinity of Puerto Princesa City and Tubbataha Reef in Palawan.

According to PhilSA, the Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 10:42 a.m. on November 10.

While these were not projected to fall on land or inhabited areas, falling debris still poses risks to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zone. — VDV, GMA Integrated News