The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned the public regarding the possible appearance of debris resulting from North Korea's "Chollima-1" rocket launch.
In its advisory on Nov. 24, PhilSA confirmed the launch of the Chollima-1 space rocket of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The agency emphasized that while there is "no longer any risk" of untoward incidents and damage from falling debris within Philippine territory, floating rocket debris appearing in the drop zone area remained a possibility.
"There is still the possibility that the discarded rocket debris may float around the drop zone area and may wash toward the nearby coasts in the future," PhilSA said in a statement.
PhilSA pointed out that the "expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 237 NM (nautical miles) away from San Policarpio, Samar and 248 NM from Mercedes, Samar."
The Cholimma-1 was launched from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan County, North Pyongan Province, North Korea on Nov. 21.
"Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of a 'satellite launch activity,'" PhilSA said.
"PhilSA has disseminated a post-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities after the launch has been confirmed," It added.
Moreover, the agency has advised the public to promptly notify local authorities of suspected rocket debris sightings.
It also emphasized the importance of exercising caution and refraining from retrieving or approaching these materials, as they may potentially contain remnants of hazardous substances, such as rocket fuel.