Chinese rocket linked to Palawan boom, NBI says

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said a powerful explosion heard across Puerto Princesa City on the evening of 4 August was likely caused by the atmospheric effects of a Chinese rocket launch.

In a statement, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said he ordered an immediate probe into the incident after receiving reports from residents alarmed by a deep, reverberating boom that echoed across several villages.

The NBI-Puerto Princesa City District Office (NBI-PUERDO) conducted an initial investigation and confirmed that the sound appeared to originate from the sky, triggering fears of an aerial or seismic disturbance.

The noise coincided with the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket, which took place between 6:14 PM and 6:42 PM from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, China.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), working with the NBI and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), later confirmed that the rocket’s flight path passed near Palawan airspace, with identified potential debris zones located about 21 nautical miles off Puerto Princesa and 18 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reef.

PhilSA further verified that the acoustic shockwave heard by residents matched the sonic boom typically caused by high-altitude rocket propulsion and stage separation.

While no injuries or property damage have been reported, the explosion caused temporary alarm, particularly in coastal areas.

Santiago urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid touching any possible rocket debris that may wash ashore, warning that toxic fuel residues may pose health risks.

“Authorities are on the ground monitoring the situation. The safety of the public remains our top priority,” Santiago said.

He added that further assessments are ongoing in coordination with local government units, maritime authorities, and international partners to determine any environmental or security implications.