The Philippine government has strongly condemned the People's Republic of China for what it described as an “irresponsible” rocket launch that caused widespread alarm in Palawan, prompting urgent warnings from national security officials and triggering search operations for possible debris.

In a statement released Tuesday, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año denounced China’s testing of its Long March 12 rocket, launched from Hainan Island, citing its dangerous fallout near Philippine territory. 

The incident sent shockwaves, “literally and figuratively,” across the province of Palawan.

“Loud explosions caused by the Chinese rocket launch caused widespread alarm and concern in Puerto Princesa City and other municipalities, particularly in coastal barangays,” Año said. 

“Local residents also saw a fireball cross the sky that later exploded, causing the ground to shake.”

Residents in affected areas described scenes of panic, as many mistook the fiery object and loud booms for a possible missile strike or aircraft crash. 

Although no injuries or structural damage have been reported as of press time, Año warned that falling debris remains a serious threat to life and property.

According to the National Security Council, debris from the launch could pose risks not only to inhabited land areas but also to ships, aircraft, and small fishing vessels operating in and around the declared drop zone. 

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” said Año. 

Officials also raised concerns that parts of the rocket could drift at sea and wash ashore, potentially carrying hazardous fuel residues.

In response, Philippine authorities have deployed both surface and aerial assets early Tuesday to locate any remnants of the rocket. 

“Surface and aerial assets have been deployed early today to search for debris associated with the loud explosions caused by the Chinese rocket launch from Hainan Island,” Año noted.

Further, Año urged the public to remain vigilant and to avoid touching any suspected debris, emphasizing that it may be toxic.

“We are coordinating closely with local authorities and coastal fishermen on this matter,” Año added. 

“The public is strongly advised to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.”

The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.