PhilSa warns vs 'potential risks' of China rocket debris

PHILSA IMAGE

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSa) on Wednesday reported that fallen debris from a Chinese rocket launch may pose risks to coastal communities and seafarers passing through drop zones in the western section of the Philippines.

In an advisory Wednesday, PhilSa confirmed the launch of China's Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, China at 11:26 a.m. on Dec. 26, Tuesday.

Debris from the rocket launch was "projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones" approximately 68 nautical miles from Rozul Reef and 116 nautical miles from the Ayungin Shoal.

"Following the launch, PhilSA advises on the potential risks that may incur to ships, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone of the debris," the space agency said.

The Philsa noted that it was possible that "the remaining rocket debris may float around the area and may wash toward the nearby coasts in the future."

It urged the public to contact authorities in case suspected debris is sighed, and warned against "retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel."

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an "aerospace flight activity." Philsa said it disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities before the launch.

Ayungin Shoal is a rich fishing ground located 105.77 nautical miles from Palawan and is located within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era warship of the Philippine Navy, has been aground in Ayungin Shoal since 1999.

Last September, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported cases of massive coral harvesting along Rozul (Iroquios) Reef in the West Philippine Sea. Chinese vessels, the AFP said, had left the swarmed area to do an "underwater survey."

China has been increasingly aggressive in its actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), driving away vessels of the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources with water cannons in separate incidents this month.

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including the WPS as it ignores the July 2016 ruling by the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidates its massive claims. — VDV, GMA Integrated News