Manila: Debris from a Chinese rocket launched on Monday could have fallen within the country's archipelagic waters, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said.

According to Philippines News Agency, PhilSA identified two possible drop zones: 22 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 14 nautical miles away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The agency's advisory highlighted the risks associated with unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, which are discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While these materials are not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, they pose danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that may pass through the drop zone.

PhilSA further warned that rocket debris could float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. The agency cautioned the public against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials, as they may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. Citizens are advised to inform local authorities if they sight any suspected debris.

The Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 3:48 p.m., as reported by PhilSA.