The National Security Council (NSC) denounced China’s “irresponsible” rocket launch, which the agency said “alarmed” and jeopardized the safety of Filipinos in Puerto Princesa City and other municipalities in Palawan on August 4.
“We condemn in no uncertain terms the irresponsible testing done by the Peoples Republic of China of its Long March 12 rocket which alarmed the public and placed the people of Palawan at risk,” NSC Secretary Eduardo Año said in a press release.
He said locals had witnessed a “fireball” streaking across the sky, which exploded and “caus(ed) the ground to shake,” reported RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.
Falling debris from the rocket poses a risk to people, fishing boats, ships, aircraft, and other vessels in the drop zone, said the security chief. He added that these may also wash onto shores.
Hence, surface and aerial assets have been deployed in search of debris.
The public has been advised to inform authorities if they believe they have spotted debris and to refrain from retrieving debris themselves and coming in close contact with these, as they might have toxic fuel residues.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that five explosions were heard near Puerto Princesa on Monday evening. Additionally, according to a report by DZRH correspondent RH 19 Jun Dimacutac, “flying objects” were also sighted in some areas in Mindanao.
