A SEARCH for debris from the rocket that was launched by China last Monday night has so far yielded negative results, he military said yesterday.
Col. Nep Padua, spokesman of the AFP’s Western Command, said two aircraft and a ship have been dispatched to conduct the search between the east coast of Palawan and Tubbataha Reef for the debris that reportedly fell in Palawan waters.
“Two aircraft, one from Air Force and one from the Philippine Navy, and one vessel from the Western Naval Command (are involved in the search) … It’s ongoing,” he said.
Asked for a timeframe, he said the search will continue “until such time we find the debris or it is already impractical to continue with the search.”
Padua reiterated reminders from authorities for fishermen to avoid physical contact with the debris, if they find one.
“It might contain hazardous materials. That’s why fishermen and the public are prohibited from having physical contact with that debris,” said Padua.
The rocket was launched by China from a commercial spacecraft launch site in Hainan province at 6:21 p.m. last Monday, bringing internet satellites to space.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, earlier said the debris fell near the Tubbataha Reef as the rocket passed the Philippine airspace.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has said loud explosions from the launch caused “widespread alarm and concern” in Puerto Princesa City and other municipalities in Palawan.
“Local residents also saw a fire ball cross the sky that later exploded causing the ground to shake,” said Año who condemned the “irresponsible” rocket launch which he said “alarmed the public and placed the people of Palawan at risk.”
Año said the debris from the rocket pose “clear danger and risk” to land areas and to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels.
