ANOTHER BLOW TO ZAMBALES FISHERS AS CHINA ROCKET DEBRIS THREAT CLOSES SEA AREAS

Fishermen in Zambales and nearby coastal provinces are once again advised to avoid parts of the West Philippine Sea after Philippine authorities issued a navigational warning over possible falling debris from China’s scheduled rocket launch on May 11.

Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) directed all fishing vessels and maritime traffic to stay away from identified hazard areas west of Zambales during the launch window of China’s Long March 7 rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan, scheduled between 8:05 a.m. and 8:29 a.m. (Philippine time).

According to PhilSA, potential rocket debris drop zones are projected within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including waters approximately 34 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), 97 nautical miles from Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro, and 130 nautical miles from Busuanga, Palawan.

Moreover, Authorities said the nearest projected drop zone remains offshore but covers wide fishing grounds traditionally used by Filipino fishers.

PCG emphasized that all vessels must exercise extreme caution and strictly avoid designated exclusion zones to prevent possible accidents from falling rocket components.

PhilSA also warned that rocket debris may contain hazardous substances, including residual rocket fuel, and strongly advised the public not to touch, retrieve, or approach any unidentified floating objects that may drift at sea or reach shorelines.

“The risk of untoward incidents and damage from falling rocket debris within Philippine territory is relatively low. However, out of an abundance of caution, we advise maritime stakeholders to follow safety measures during the launch window,” PhilSA said.

Fishing communities in Zambales including; San Antonio (134 NM from the nearest drop zone), Subic (138 NM), San Narciso (147 NM), San Felipe (156 NM), Cabangan (161 NM), Olongapo City (162 NM), Botolan (165 NM), Iba (169 NM), Palauig (172 NM), Masinloc (181 NM), Candelaria (192 NM), and Sta. Cruz (201 NM), are among those closest to the advisory areas.

The advisory comes after recent fishing disruptions linked to maritime restrictions during the Balikatan Exercises, further affecting coastal livelihoods dependent on daily catch.

Nevertheless, PhilSA said the overall risk remains low but stressed the need for precaution due to the unpredictable nature of space debris re-entry.

Bajo de Masinloc, located roughly 240 kilometers west of Zambales, remains a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen and has repeatedly been affected by advisories tied to foreign rocket launches and maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea.