Explosion in Palawan linked to rocket launch

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday confirmed that a series of loud booming sounds heard off the eastern part of Palawan on Monday were connected to a rocket launch activity in China.

In a similar confirmation, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said the loud explosions coincided with China’s Long March 12 rocket launch at around 6:21 p.m. from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang.

The launch was projected to drop debris within Philippine maritime zones.

“Upon immediate verification, a visible condensation trail was observed in the sky, consistent with rocket exhaust or propulsion,” the PCG said.

The PCG reiterated its call for mariners and residents in affected areas to stay alert and immediately report any suspected debris sightings.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago said the explosions were consistent with atmospheric effects linked to high-altitude rocket propulsion and stage separation, citing PhilSA’s assessment.

The NBI-Puerto Princesa District Office noted reports of a deep, booming sound in the sky, which caused alarm across barangays in Puerto Princesa City and nearby towns.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año denounced the rocket test.

“We condemn in no uncertain terms the irresponsible testing done by the People’s Republic of China of its Long March 12 rocket, which alarmed the public and placed the people of Palawan at risk,” Año said in a statement.

“While no immediate damage or injury has been reported, falling debris from the launch poses a clear danger and risk to land areas and to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” Ano stressed.

Año said surface and aerial assets have been deployed to search for debris.

“The public is strongly advised to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. The public is advised against retrieving or coming in close contact with debris materials that may contain toxic fuel residues. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and coastal fishermen on this matter,” he said. — Michael Punongbayan