The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) warned the public to stay away from possible rocket debris that may fall in waters off Northern Luzon following the launch of China’s Long March 7A rocket on Wednesday morning, Dec. 31.

China launched the Long March 7A rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 06:40 a.m. (PST), according to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

The projected drop zones of rocket debris were located approximately 45 nautical miles away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte; 67 nautical miles away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; 64 nautical miles away from Santa Ana, Cagayan; and 76 nautical miles away from Camiguin Norte.

PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab urged fishermen and coastal communities not to approach or touch any suspected debris.

“The PCG reminds the public that if anyone sees any rocket debris, they should stay away from it and not touch it because it may pose potential hazards. The sighting of the debris should be reported immediately to the Coast Guard so that proper action can be taken,” she noted.

“It may still contain toxic substances from the rocket fuel so it should not be touched if you happen to see any rocket debris,” she added.

The PhilSA also warned that unburned rocket debris poses danger to ships, aircraft, and fishing vessels. It added that debris may float and reach nearby coastlines.

Details of the launch were released through a Notice to Airmen on aerospace flight activity. A pre-launch report was also shared with relevant government agencies.

Cayabyab advised the public to immediately report any unusual floating objects at sea. The PCG provided hotline numbers 09662179610 and 09696418964 for reports.

There have been several instances of sightings of rocket debris from China’s launches in the country’s waters this year.

On Aug. 14, a rocket debris with Chinese markings was recovered from the shoreline in Looc, Occidental Mindoro. Suspected rocket fragments were also found in the waters off Cuyo, Palawan on Sept. 27.

Another piece of suspected Chinese rocket debris bearing Chinese markings washed ashore in Burgos, Ilocos Norte and was recovered by the PCG on Nov. 9. The Philippine Navy (PN) also recovered what it believes to be remnants of a Chinese rocket in waters off Tubbataha Reef on Nov. 11.

Aside from the dangers of the debris, Palawan folks have repeatedly expressed fears whenever China would launch its rockets. Some residents said they heard booming sounds and experienced the ground shaking during separate rocket launches by China in August and December.