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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG warns ships to avoid Cagayan waters during China rocket launch

PCG warns ships to avoid Cagayan waters during China rocket launch

Published Aug 2, 2026 01:56 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Coat Guard (PCG) advised fishermen and vessels to avoid a portion of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Cagayan on Aug. 5 due to the scheduled launch of China's Jielong-3 rocket and the possible fall of rocket debris.
  • The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) identified the designated drop zone at about 94 nautical miles from Babuyan Island and 143 nautical miles from Sta. Ana, Cagayan. The launch is scheduled from 10:29 a.m. to 11:04 a.m.
  • The PCG urged the public not to retrieve suspected rocket debris and to report any sightings to the nearest PCG unit. It said the advisory is part of ongoing efforts to ensure maritime safety through coordination with PhilSA and other government agencies.
(Courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
(Courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday advised fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to stay away from part of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Cagayan on Aug. 5 because debris from a Chinese rocket launch may fall into the area.
The advisory covers the scheduled launch of the People's Republic of China's Jielong-3 rocket from 10:29 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), portions of the rocket are expected to land within a designated drop zone about 94 nautical miles from Babuyan Island and 143 nautical miles from Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
The Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon said the risk to Philippine territory remains low but urged vessels to avoid the area during the launch window.
"While the risk to Philippine territory remains low, the PCG urged all vessels to steer clear of the identified drop zone during the launch window and report suspected rocket debris to the nearest PCG unit. The public is advised not to retrieve debris found at sea," the district said.
The warning follows similar maritime safety advisories issued by the PCG and PhilSA whenever foreign rocket launches have projected debris to fall within or near the country's EEZ. Authorities have said such notices are intended to reduce risks to fishing boats, commercial vessels and other sea users.
The PCG said the latest advisory forms part of its efforts to promote maritime safety under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through its iCARE campaign and the Organized National Engagement (ONE) at Sea strategic concept.
The coast guard added that it continues to work with PhilSA and other government agencies to relay navigational warnings and help protect the country's maritime domain.

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