THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued an advisory warning ON coastal communities in Palawan and Basilan about potential hazards from debris from China’s Long March 8A rocket.
The rocket launch is scheduled to take place from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province this Saturday, January 25, from 5:53 p.m. to 6:42 p.m.
Memorandum 21, s. 2025, issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, mandates agencies to ensure public safety in areas near the designated drop zones. These zones are 85 nautical miles from Rozul Reef, 40 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, and 33 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has warned against touching or approaching any rocket debris as it may contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel. If contact with debris is unavoidable, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended. The public is encouraged to immediately report any sightings of debris to local authorities.
Fishing in Rozul Reef and waters near Puerto Princesa has been temporarily banned from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from January 25 to 27 to prevent any incidents. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard, BFAR, and other agencies have been tasked with issuing warnings to mariners and enforcing temporary restrictions in the drop zones.
Officials have emphasized that the debris is not expected to fall on inhabited land but could potentially damage vessels in the affected areas. Regional disaster councils in MIMAROPA and BARMM will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Public safety and vigilance are the primary objectives in this event.
