Western Command (WESCOM) remains on alert and is still on the lookout for possible debris from the Long March 12 rocket that was test-launched by China last Monday, August 4.
WESCOM Public Affairs Officer Col. Nephtali Padua said after the notice from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council that an area in the waters east of Palawan was identified as a potential drop zone of the rocket debris, personnel were put on alert.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), WESCOM deployed an air asset and a naval asset to Sulu Sea to search and possibly retrieve any rocket debris but so far, nothing was found,” Padua said in an interview.
“Today (Wednesday) we once again launched a rotary asset to look for possible debris in Sulu Sea, between the eastern side of mainland Palawan and Tubbataha Reefs,” he added.
Padua further stated that there is no timeline set for how long the search will be conducted.
“What we are looking at right now is that we will conduct the search until such time that a debris is found or it is no longer practical to do so. But right now, there is no definite time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Padua also cautioned fishermen venturing into the sea to take necessary precautions if ever they find possible debris from the rocket.
“We continue to remind the fishermen or anybody who could possibly find any debris not to hold it for possible fuel contamination and if there is a need, use personal protective equipments for safety purposes,” he said.
“And if every they find anything, immediately inform local authorities for proper handling of the material,” he added, noting further that there is no known market value of it.
Meanwhile, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Earl Timbancaya also said they are still on alert.
He said personnel and assets of the CDRRMO are already prepositioned in key areas for any possible developments.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Tuesday that it monitored rocket-related activity in the eastern part of Palawan on August 4, where five loud explosions—described as booming sounds—were heard coming from the east.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea task force, said these coincided with a public advisory issued earlier about a scheduled rocket launch from China.
“Upon immediate verification, a visible condensation trail was observed in the sky, consistent with rocket exhaust or propulsion,” he said.
Tarriela said the PCG continues to prioritize maritime safety and environmental protection and urged the public to report any possible sightings to the nearest Coast Guard station.
No immediate threat to navigation or public safety has been reported.
