Report, but don't try to retrieve suspected Chinese rocket debris — OCD

MANILA — People in Northern Luzon who find debris from a Chinese Long March 7A that may fall in waters off Ilocos Norte and Cagayan should report these to authorities from proper handling, the Office of Civil Defense said.

The rocket to be launched from Wenchang in Hainan is expected to deliver its payload in space between June 28 and 30.

"Debris from the rocket is anticipated to fall 75 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 126 nautical miles from Sta. Ana, Cagayan," OCD said.

"For safety, the public is advised to inform local authorities of any suspected debris and refrain from approaching or retrieving the debris to minimize the risk of remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel," it also said.

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The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has issued a memorandum to the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (DENR-NAMRIA) on the launch.

"PCG, BFAR, DILG, and DENR-NAMRIA are advised to implement temporary restrictions and issue Notice to Mariners and Coastal Navigational Warnings, as applicable, in the identified drop zones to ensure the safety of the public on the waters near the drop zones," OCD said.

Regional disaster response units have also been ordered to monitor and report the situations in their areas after the launch.

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