Suspected China rocket debris retrieved in Palawan

Some suspected debris of a Chinese rocket was found in the Palawan area of the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine STAR reported that the metal object had a mark of the China flag. It's being attributed to a rocket launch from Hainan as it was recovered two days after a Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center on Thursday morning.

Lolinato To-ong, the Philippine Navy’s Western Naval Command on board the ship, discovered the debris in the waters off Bataraza town on Saturday. Per the news outlet, it was then sent to Puerto Princesa City for it to be properly assessed, documented, and disposed.

Following the recovery of the debris, the WNC stressed the importance of continued maritime surveillance in protecting the country’s territorial waters and safeguarding communities.

In August, explosions were heard in Puerto Princesa and nearby areas in Palawan. The Philippine Space Agency later confirmed it was from the launch of China's Long March 12 rocket as it reminded everyone that unburned debris from rockets like the booster and fairing, though not projected to fall on land features and inhabited areas, poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone.

At the time, PhilSA asked the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. It also warned against retrieving or coming in close contact with such materials, as they may contain remnants of toxic substances.