Public told: Don't panic over SoKor rocket launch

MANILA, Philippines - There is no reason for the public to panic over South Korea’s planned rocket launch on Oct. 26, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday.

“We do not need to fear anything as long as we avoid the exclusion zone,” NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos said on the sidelines of the NDRRMC Gawad Kalasag 2012 ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.

Ramos also advised the public not to believe text messages, which tend to sow fear among residents along the expected path of the rocket.

He said all the needed information about the satellite launch would come from the NDRRMC Operations Center.

South Korea has announced plans to launch a satellite into orbit as part of its scientific research program. The Science and Technology Satellite-2 will be aboard Korea Space Launch Vehicle-I and originate from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. 

Officials are preparing contingency measures even as they claim that it is “highly unlikely” that the debris of the rocket would fall in the country. The government will implement a “no-fly zone” and “no-sail zone” in areas located along the expected path of the South Korean rocket.

 Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued a notice to mariners (Notam) instructing vessels to steer clear of the eastern part of the country when South Korea launches its missile.

PCG commandant Vice Admiral Edmund Tan said the Notam would be circulated in the PCG’s 12 districts.

Tan also ordered PCG personnel in Bicol, Samar, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur to be vigilant so they could immediately respond in case something happens. 

He said BRP Pampanga will be on stand by in the Bicol region. – Alexis Romero, Evelyn Macairan