The Philippine Navy has recovered suspected debris from a Chinese rocket off the coast of Bataraza town in southern Palawan, following Beijing’s recent rocket launch from Hainan Island.
The Navy said its patrol vessel BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) was conducting operations in the West Philippine Sea on Monday when it sighted a metallic object bearing a Chinese flag about 12.17 nautical miles southeast of Rio Tuba village. “PG-902 immediately conducted retrieval operations and secured the debris aboard the vessel,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement.
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) earlier confirmed that China’s Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center at around 9:33 a.m. on October 16. PhilSA had issued an advisory identifying possible drop points for rocket debris within Philippine territory, including areas near Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan.
According to PhilSA, rocket components such as boosters and fairings are intentionally jettisoned as the rocket enters outer space, but unburned debris may still fall into the sea or land in areas within the country’s jurisdiction.
The incident is the latest in a series of similar discoveries across Palawan in recent months. In September, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered metallic debris suspected to have come from another Long March rocket off the waters of Cuyo town.
In August, residents in eastern Palawan reported hearing explosions believed to be linked to a separate rocket launch from China.
Authorities have yet to determine the size, composition, or potential environmental impact of the newly recovered debris.
The Navy said it continues to coordinate with concerned agencies, including PhilSA and the PCG, to assess the object and ensure proper handling in accordance with international and local safety protocols.
