The Coast Guard District Palawan (CGD-Pal) has alerted residents and mariners about possible rocket debris following China’s scheduled launch of a Long March 3B rocket on Friday, November 21.
Based on the reports, the rocket will lift off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture between 6:50 and 7:30 p.m.
Several potential debris zones have been identified in Palawan waters, including parts of the West Philippine Sea about 102 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City and 108 nautical miles from the town of Quezon.
CGD-Pal advised fishermen, sailors, and the public to avoid these areas and to refrain from retrieving or approaching any suspicious objects, which could pose serious risks and should be reported immediately.
This marks the fourth Chinese rocket launch this year to raise concern in Palawan, following similar incidents on February 11, August 4, and November 10.
The Pinoy Workers Partylist previously urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to file a diplomatic protest, citing fears over the potential dangers these launches pose to local residents.
China’s Long March 3B rockets, commonly used to place satellites into orbit, have a history of producing debris that can fall into open waters or sparsely populated areas.
