Explosions heard across Puerto Princesa skies as China launches rocket

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, Philippines  — Mysterious explosions were heard across the city skylines at around 10:55 a.m. on Monday, which residents believed could have been caused by a  Long March 12 rocket launch that China announced earlier.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has confirmed the rocket launch conducted by China from Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 10:42 a.m. on Monday. PhilSA stated that debris from the rocket, including booster and fairing, was projected to have fallen within a predetermined drop zone, approximately 29 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City and 20 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

READ: Rocket debris with Chinese markings found along Cagayan shoresThe agency also reiterated its advice to the public to inform local authorities if they sight suspected debris from the rocket and warned them against retrieving or coming into close contact with such materials that may contain toxic substances, such as rocket fuel, to avoid any possible injuries.A similar explosion was also heard in the city and nearby towns of Narra and Roxas in August this year, which originated from a rocket launched by China. /coa