Chinese rocket debris found off Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — Suspected debris from a rocket recently launched from China have been found in the waters off Cuyo in Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard reported yesterday.

“The debris were found by a fisherman near Bisucay Island in Barangay Funda,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, posted on social media on Friday night. “Preliminary assessments suggest that the materials are linked to a recent launch from China’s Long March rocket program.”

Tarriela said the Long March 2C rocket with a Yuanzheng-1S upper stage was launched in an undisclosed location on Sept. 16.

He said the launch was part of China’s ongoing efforts in space exploration, including satellite deployment and technological advancement.

After receiving a call from Barangay Funda chairwoman Alena Macaslin, members of the PCG-Eastern Palawan station secured the area where the rocket was found to ensure public safety and facilitate proper handling of materials, Tarriela said.

The PCG-Eastern Palawan station turned over the debris to the PCG-Palawan District, which sent it to the Philippine Space Agency for analysis, verification and assessment of origin and composition.

PCG-Palawan District chief Commodore Neil Azcuna urged residents to report to the nearest Coast Guard station, barangay officials or relevant authorities any sighting of suspected rocket debris.

The public has been advised not to touch or move such materials as these may contain hazardous chemicals.