MANILA, Philippines – Kinumpirma ng Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) na ang usok at malakas na tunog na bumulabog sa Palawan nitong Lunes ng gabi, Agosto 4, ay may kaugnayan sa paglulunsad ng China ng Long March 12 rocket.
“We have received reports of a visible smoke trail and a loud sound overhead by individuals in Palawan between 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. yesterday,” sinabi ng PhilSA.
“Initial assessment indicates that these are associated with the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center,” dagdag pa.
Anang PhilSA, biniberipika ng Inter-agency TWG on Orbital Debris Protocols ang mga sightings na ito at maglalabas sila ng karagdagang detalye sa oras na maging available ang mga impormasyon.
Sa hiwalay na pahayag, kinumpirma rin ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ang pagsabog na iniulat sa Palawan na may kaugnayan sa rocket launch ng China.
“The PCG has confirmed the monitoring of rocket-related activity in the eastern part of Palawan on August 4, 2025, where a series of five loud explosions were—described as booming sounds—originating from the east, aligning with a previously issued public advisory regarding a scheduled launch from China,” saad sa pahayag ni PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela.
“Upon immediate verification, a visible condensation trail was observed in the sky, consistent with rocket exhaust or propulsion,” dagdag pa niya.
Ayon kay Tarriela, patuloy na magiging prayoridad ng PCG ang maritime safety at environmental protection ng mga katubigan sa Pilipinas.
“Mariners and the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings of potential debris to local PCG stations,” ani Tarriela.
“No immediate threats to safety or navigation have been reported as a result of this event,” dagdag pa.
Sinabi naman ni AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad na nag-deploy na ang Western Command ng eroplano at barko upang masiguro na walang maiiwang debris.
“After kahapon, nag-deploy ang [Wescom] ng aircraft [at] barko ngayong umaga, just to ensure walang debris na maiwan kasi ang debris pag nasa dagat at lalo pag malaki ito, hazard to navigation. Ang mga dadaang mga barko doon lalo pag hindi na makita ay posibling matamaan ito. Bagamat remote ang chance kasi sa lawak ng karagatan, minabuti ng Western Command na maka-responde sila.” RNT/JGC
