Suspected Chinese rocket debris found off Palawan

Suspected Chinese rocket debris bearing the flag of the People’s Republic of China is on the deck of the BRP Lolinato To-Ong. — Photo from the Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy found suspected debris from a Chinese rocket off Bataraza town in Palawan days after Beijing’s rocket launch.

During its West Philippine Sea operation, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) sighted on Monday a metallic debris bearing a Chinese flag approximately 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 debris was subsequently transported to Puerto Princesa City for proper documentation, assessment, and disposition.

Last week, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed that the Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Hainan Island at around 9:33 a.m. on Thursday, October 16.

READ: Chinese rocket debris possibly falls near Tubbataha Reef, 3 other areas

PhilSA said possible drop points of these rocket debris were: 45 nautical miles (NM) away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park; 118 NM away from El Nido, Palawan; 137 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and 34 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

In September, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) found suspected rocket debris off the waters of Cuyo town in Palawan also believed to be linked to a recent launch from China’s Long March rocket program.

READ: PCG recovers suspected Chinese rocket debris off Palawan

Last August, explosions believed to be related to a Chinese rocket launch were heard in the eastern part of Palawan, the PCG also then reported. /das