‘Chinese rocket debris’ found off Mindoro, Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — Debris believed to be from a Chinese rocket were recovered in the waters off Occidental Mindoro and Palawan on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

In a Viber message, the Philippine Coast Guard said the PCG responded to a report that fishermen found “metallic debris” off the coast of Barangay Poblacion in Calintaan.

“The identification of the debris is still unknown and remains at the site for inspection,” the PCG said.

A resident of Barangay Cheey in Busuanga, Palawan found a piece of metal, suspected to be debris  from Chinese rocket Long March 5B.

“Based on the proximity from the drop zone and visual perusal of photos released by Palawan authorities... there is a high likelihood that the debris found in Busuanga was part of the rocket fairing of Long March 5B. In addition, it is highly likely that the pieces of debris reportedly found off the waters of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro... were also part of the said rocket component,” the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said yesterday.

PhilSA said the National Coast Watch Center verified the retrieval of the debris in the two areas.

It said the debris would be placed under the custody and disposal of the Philippine government.

In September, PhilSA warned the public of falling debris from a rocket launched by China.

While debris from the rocket was unlikely to fall on Philippine soil, the agency said there could be some in airspace and maritime waters, which could affect aircraft or sea vessels. – Rainier Allan Ronda