Debris from China’s Long March 12 rocket may have fallen within Philippine archipelagic waters near Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned Friday.
In an advisory, PhilSA disclosed that projections showed the rocket fragments likely fell about 23 nautical miles off Puerto Princesa and 21 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs—areas frequently traversed by fishing vessels and commercial aircraft.
The Long March 12 was launched Friday morning, around 7 a.m. Manila time, from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, China.
Ahead of the launch, China issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) identifying the drop zone of the rocket’s stages, information that PhilSA relayed to relevant Philippine authorities.
While the agency stressed that the debris is unlikely to hit any landmass or populated area, it warned that falling rocket fragments still pose hazards.
“Falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” PhilSA said.
The agency cited that some debris could remain afloat and be carried by ocean currents toward nearby coastlines.
PhilSA also cautioned that an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages remains possible, further underscoring the need for vigilance.
It also urged the public to immediately report any suspected debris sightings to local authorities and warned strongly against handling any debris.