Residents in parts of Luzon cautioned vs rocket debris 

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has warned fishermen and people in coastal communities in the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan to stay clear of areas where debris from a Chinese rocket launch may fall on Sunday.

The advisory issued on Saturday came after the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) informed authorities that China is set to launch its Long March 7A rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan on Sunday, between 8:12 p.m. and 9:34 p.m. (Philippine time).

Portions of the rocket are expected to fall within two designated drop zones west of Luzon.

According to the PCG, the first drop zone lies about 72 kilometers off Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 111 kilometers from Dalupiri Island in Cagayan.

The second is roughly 128 kilometers from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 150 kilometers from Camiguin Norte.

Maritime restrictions

The Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon has issued temporary maritime restrictions covering both areas, urging fishermen and small boats to avoid the vicinity until debris recovery operations are done.

“Do not approach or attempt to retrieve any debris,” the Coast Guard said. “Report any floating objects or suspicious materials to the nearest Coast Guard unit for proper handling,” it added.

China’s regular rocket launches have recently prompted repeated safety advisories from Philippine authorities, with previous incidents involving suspected debris washing up on local shores and raising concerns among coastal residents.

The PCG said it is closely coordinating with the PhilSA and other government units on the matter even as it has deployed teams to ensure public safety.

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In September, PhilSA advised local communities in Cagayan and Ilocos Norte from retrieving or coming into contact with debris from the launch of the Long March 7A rocket from China, warning that these may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

If contact with debris is unavoidable, the use of personal protective equipment is advised.

Falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zones. The debris could also float around the area and drift toward nearby coasts, according to the agency.

Rocket debris usually falls within minutes after a launch. In previous incidents, debris was found by fishermen a day or days after the launch. —WITH A REPORT FROM PNA