Residents across Puerto Princesa City and nearby towns in Palawan said they were startled on Thursday morning after loud explosions echoed across the sky at 7:10 a.m., shortly after China launched its Long March 12 rocket.
Some residents said they thought something had fallen on their roofs and felt their houses shake.
“Akala ko ako lang. Nangalog pinto ko ngayong umaga, grabe nginig, natakot ako baka kako wiring ng kuryente,” one social media user said.
“Yanig yung buong bahay,” another user said, noting that aircraft followed soon after.
Others in outlying barangays also felt the blast. A resident in Bacungan said, “Ang sakit sa tainga at ulo. Dito sa Bacungan,” while someone from Macarascas shared, “Dito po sa amin sa Macarscas dinig din po.”
The reports came as national authorities warned that parts of the rocket might fall into waters near Puerto Princesa City and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier said the identified drop zones included fishing grounds and navigation routes used by vessels traveling between Puerto Princesa, Cagayancillo, and the Tubbataha area.
The Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and DENR-NAMRIA were ordered to issue temporary restrictions and maritime warnings. Regional disaster officials in MIMAROPA were told to keep monitoring.
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) urged communities not to retrieve or approach possible debris because it may contain harmful substances such as leftover rocket fuel. The agency advised the public to report sightings to local authorities.
China has launched 72 rockets this year, including 10 from the Wenchang site in Hainan. Several of these launches have prompted debris alerts for Philippine waters.
Authorities reminded coastal communities and vessels to avoid the coordinates listed in the advisory and follow all safety instructions during the launch window.
