NBI to public: Do not touch fragment residues from aerial explosion in Palawan
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday, Aug. 5, asked the public to remain calm and not to touch any fragment residues that may be found following a loud aerial explosion in Palawan.
Director Jaime B. Santiago issued the call following China’s launch of a rocket on Monday, August 4.
Santiago said any suspected fragments from the rocket should not be touched because of potential toxic fuel residues and to remain calm, as the authorities are working diligently to manage the situation.
He said that based on reports, no immediate damage or injuries were reported, but the incident caused temporary alarm, particularly in coastal barangays.
He also said the reports by the NBI-Puerto Princesa City District Office (NBI-PUERDO) stated that the residents across Puerto Princesa City reported hearing a loud explosion emanating from the sky.
“The sound was described as a deep and reverberating boom, prompting concerns among local communities and initial speculation of an aerial or seismic event,” he added.
The NBI said its office in Puerto Princesa conducted verifications which showed that “the explosion coincided with the scheduled launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket, which occurred between 6:14 p.m. and 6:42 p.m. from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan Province, China.”
It also said that communications were also made with the Philippine Space Agency (PSA) which confirmed that “the acoustic shockwave was consistent with atmospheric effects from high-altitude rocket propulsion and stage separation.”