PCG warns of China rocket debris off Ilocos Norte, Cagayan on June 23, 2026

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has warned seafarers operating in northern Luzon about falling debris from the launch of a Chinese rocket scheduled on Tuesday.

In a notice to mariners dated June 19, the PCG station in Isabela reported that China will launch a Long March 7A rocket from Wenchang in Hainan between 10:02 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. on June 23.

Two drop zones within northern Luzon were identified:

• Drop Zone 1 — 42 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte and 65 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island in Cagayan
• Drop Zone 2 — 60 nautical miles from Santa Ana, Cagayan and 72 nautical miles away from Camiguin Norte, Cagayan

The PCG said seafarers should avoid these areas "whenever possible" for their own safety.

"All mariners operating within the area of responsibility of Coast Guard Station Isabela are strongly advised to exercise heightened vigilance and take all necessary precautionary measures when navigating near or within the identified Drop Zones before and during the scheduled launch period," the PCG notice read.

The public was advised to report any sightings of debris or significant observations related to the rocket launch to the PCG station in Isabela.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has yet to release its own advisory about the launch on social media as of posting time. The Coast Guard's map indicating the drop zone bears the PhilSA seal. — VDV, GMA News