Search ongoing for possible Chinese rocket debris off Palawan — AFP

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MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) has deployed air and naval assets to search for debris from a Chinese rocket that passed over Palawan earlier this week, amid concerns over public safety and maritime hazards.

Colonel Nep Padua, Wescom spokesperson, said search operations began on Tuesday in the Sulu Sea, between the eastern coast of mainland Palawan and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. As of Wednesday morning, no debris had been recovered.

“A naval vessel and a rotary aircraft were deployed in Sulu Sea, roughly between the eastern side of the mainland Palawan and Tubbataha,” Padua told reporters. “Another rotary aircraft was deployed to continue the search for the possible debris. We are still waiting for the development.”

He said the results remain “negative” so far.

The effort follows reports of a visible condensation trail in the sky and loud explosions heard by residents on Monday. These explosions were linked to a Chinese rocket launch.

Padua said the AFP is taking the threat seriously and is continuing the search “until the debris is found or the operation becomes impractical to continue.”

“The debris could pose danger if civilians come into contact with it. We’re urging residents, especially fishermen, not to touch any unfamiliar object at sea and to report sightings to local authorities or Wescom,” he added.

Padua said there are no confirmed reports yet from local communities or fishermen regarding possible debris sightings.

While no timeline has been set for how long the search will continue, he said operations are ongoing until further notice.

READ: Falling debris feared as China launches rocket near Palawan

The AFP declined to disclose the specific make of the deployed naval vessel, citing operational security.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also issued a rocket warning advisory on Monday about the possible falling of debris from the People’s Republic of China’s Long March 12 rocket.

Moreover, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday confirmed that a series of loud explosion-like sounds heard off eastern Palawan were linked to a scheduled rocket launch conducted by China on Aug. 4.

The Chinese rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan Province, according to the PCG.

Past rocket launches by China have also resulted in debris falling within Philippine waters, including an incident two years ago in the West Philippine Sea.

The latest launch has once again raised concerns over the safety of Philippine waters amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Padua said it received the official notice of the launch only minutes before the event. /das.mcm