PhilSA warns of falling rocket debris near Bajo de Masinloc, Cabra Island, Recto Bank, Busuanga

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued a warning on Monday about possible debris from China's Long March 7 rocket launch that occurred early Tuesday morning.

Rocket debris is projected to fall within the Philippines' maritime territory, specifically 33 nautical miles away from Bajo de Masinloc, 88 nautical miles from Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro, 51 nautical miles from Recto Bank, and 118 nautical miles from Busuanga in Palawan.

Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch and warned that debris could pose danger to vessels sailing through the drop zones and potentially wash ashore nearby coasts.

The public is advised to avoid contact with debris and report any sightings immediately to local authorities as retrieving or coming near the materials poses risks due to potential toxic substances like rocket fuel.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is recommended if contact with the debris becomes necessary, and relevant agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have been advised to temporarily restrict maritime activities in affected areas.

PhilSA also cautions that there is a possibility for debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts, posing danger to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zone.

Unburned rocket parts such as boosters and faring are designed to be discarded during launch, and an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket's upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time.