PCG recovers suspected Chinese rocket debris off Palawan
The Philippine Coast Guard recovers suspected rocket debris off Barangay Funda Bisucay Island in Cuyo, Palawan. The PCG believes the debris to be from China’s Long March-2C rocket launch on September 16. — Photo from PCG
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard has recovered suspected rocket debris off the waters of Cuyo, Palawan, believed to be linked to a recent launch from China’s Long March rocket program, the PCG said on Friday evening.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a statement posted on his official social media accounts that a local fisherman found the debris near Brgy. Funda Bisucay Island and reported it to barangay officials, who immediately alerted the Coast Guard Station Eastern Palawan.
The Philippine Coast Guard recovers suspected rocket debris off Barangay Funda Bisucay Island in Cuyo, Palawan. The PCG believes the debris to be from China’s Long March-2C rocket launch on September 16. — Photo from PCG
Tarriela said the incident follows China’s Sept. 16 launch of a Long March-2C rocket with a Yuanzheng-1S upper stage from an undisclosed location, part of Beijing’s ongoing efforts in space exploration, satellite deployment, and technological advancements.
READ: Palawan fisherman recovers suspected Chinese rocket debris
According to Xinhua, China’s state-run news agency, the launch took place at 9:06 a.m. Beijing Time on and the mission marked the 595th flight of the Long March rocket series.
The Philippine Coast Guard recovers suspected rocket debris off Barangay Funda Bisucay Island in Cuyo, Palawan. The PCG believes the debris to be from China’s Long March-2C rocket launch on September 16. — Photo from PCG
Tarriela said the debris has been secured and turned over to the Coast Guard District Palawan for safekeeping. It will later be sent to the Philippine Space Agency for analysis and verification.
Coast Guard District Palawan commander Commodore Neil Azcuna urged residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of similar materials to local authorities, warning them not to touch or move suspected rocket debris due to potential safety hazards. /das
