MANILA — Residents of Palawan and Basilan were placed on high alert as China’s Long March 8A rocket launched from Hainan province on Saturday. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) issued an advisory, warning of potential debris in three designated drop zones within Philippine waters.
Drop Zone 1 is near Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea, within the country’s exclusive economic zone, while Drop Zones 2 and 3 are near Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, respectively.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), BFAR, DILG, and DENR-NAMRIA have been directed to enforce temporary restrictions and issue navigational warnings. The public is urged to report debris sightings but avoid contact, as remnants may contain hazardous rocket fuel.
Regional councils in Mimaropa and BARMM are closely monitoring the situation, ensuring marine safety measures and public updates. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has emphasized the potential danger of handling debris, reinforcing public safety protocols.
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