BFAR issues advisory on rocket debris drop zones within Rozul Reef, Puerto Princesa

Fishermen are temporarily barred from sailing at Rozul Reef (Iroquois) and waters off Puerto Princesa, Palawan from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on January 25-27 due to possible rocket debris.

In a Facebook post released Monday, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA said drop zones were identified in line with the launching of China’s Long March 8A rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan province, China.

Rocket debris is expected to drop about 106 nautical miles from Rozul Reef, 34 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, and 34 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

The following are specific drop zones:

DROP ZONE 1:

• Point 1: Coordinates N11 49 E117 03
• Point 2: Coordinates N12 31 E116 29
• Point 3: Coordinates N12 51 E116 55
• Point 4: Coordinates N12 38 E117 29

DROP ZONE 2:

• Point 1: Coordinates N10 14 E118 09
• Point 2: Coordinates N11 03 E117 31
• Point 3: Coordinates N11 29 E118 06
• Point 4: Coordinates N10 40 E118 44

DROP ZONE 3:

• Point 1: Coordinates N06 49 E120 52
• Point 2: Coordinates N07 41 E120 12
• Point 3: Coordinates N08 00 E120 39
• Point 4: Coordinates N07 08 E121 18

BFAR also said rocket debris is not expected to fall on any land or inhabited areas within the country’s territory.

However, it may damage vessels passing through the rocket debris zones.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has warned the public against retrieving rocket debris as materials such as rocket fuel may contain toxins.

The public were also urged to report any sighting of debris to local authorities, BFAR or PhilSA. — BAP, GMA Integrated News