PH Navy sends ship to drop zone to check possible Chinese rocket debris

Explosions believed to be related to a Chinese rocket launch were heard in the eastern part of Palawan on Aug. 4, 2025, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy has deployed a ship to the drop zone where debris from a Chinese rocket is believed to have fallen off the waters of Palawan.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the Western Command took action on Tuesday following the scheduled launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket.

READ: West PH Sea: Explosions heard in Palawan after Chinese rocket launch

“They deployed a ship this morning just to ensure that no debris was left,” Trinidad said in a radio dzBB interview.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said surface and aerial assets were also deployed to assist in the search for the rocket debris.

“While no immediate damage or injury has been reported so far, falling debris from the launch poses a clear danger and risk to land areas and to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” Año said in a statement.

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” he added.

“Loud explosions caused by the Chinese rocket launch caused widespread alarm and concern in Puerto Princesa City and other municipalities, particularly in coastal barangays in the province,” Año said in a statement.

“Local residents also saw a fire ball cross the sky that later exploded causing the ground to shake,” he added./mcm