PhilSa reminded the public to refrain from touching or retrieving rocket debris, such as the one recovered in Sitio Lapaz, Allasitan, Pamplona, Cagayan, on Jan. 12, 2026, as it may contain toxic substances. —Photo courtesy of Oliver Asuncion
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSa) on Wednesday evening advised the public in the coastal communities to report any suspected debris found at sea after it confirmed the launch of China’s rocket.
China’s Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 9:33 p.m. (Philippine standard time) on Wednesday, according to PhilSa.
PhilSa said that rocket debris may have fallen within the following identified drop zones:
- 97 nautical miles (NM) away from Patag Island
- 144 NM away from Bajo de Masinloc
- 190 NM away from El Nido, Palawan,
- 198 NM away from Busuanga, Palawan (DZ 1)
- 46 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan
- 24 NM away from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
- 105 NM away from Pangutaran, Sulu
- 117 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan (DZ 2)
“Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch,” it said in a statement.
PhilSa reminded the public to refrain from touching or retrieving the debris found at sea as it may contain toxic substances, such as rocket fuel.
“PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted,” it said.