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A visible condensation trail is observed in the sky by residents in eastern Palawan on Aug. 4, 2025 after a series of loud explosions. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) says these are connected to the rocket launch made by China. (Photo: PCG)
Five loud explosions that triggered panic among residents in Palawan were connected to the rocket launch conducted by China, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed Tuesday, Aug. 5.
The series of explosions described as “booming sounds” was heard by residents in eastern Palawan on Monday night, Aug. 4. A visible condensation trail was also observed in the sky by the residents, consistent with rocket exhaust or propulsion.
PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela said all of these aligned with a previously issued public advisory regarding a scheduled launch from China.
“This activity corresponds to the scheduled launch of China's Long March 12 rocket, as detailed in the PCG's prior advisory to the public,” Tarriela said.
In an earlier advisory, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) cautioned the public for the possible falling of debris from the People's Republic of China's (PRC) Long March 12 rocket scheduled for launch at the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan between 6:14 p.m. to 6:42 p.m. on Monday to launch low-orbit satellites.
Parts of the rocket were expected to drop within two identified drop zones which were located approximately 21 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan and 18 nautical miles away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park.
Netizens share hearing loud explosions after the rocket launch of China on Aug. 4, 2025. (NDRRMC/Facebook)
A social media user shared that he heard the loud explosions: "Dito po sa amin ang sobrang lakas ng pagsabog around 6:38 p.m. sa Plaridel, Aborlan, Palawan (We heard the loud explosion around 6:38 p.m. here in Plaridel, Aborlan, Palawan)."
The explosions were also heard in Barangay Cabigaan, Aborlan, Palawan; Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Barangay Caguisan, Narra, Palawan, according to netizens.
Netizens share hearing loud explosions after the rocket launch of China on Aug. 4, 2025. (NDRRMC/Facebook)
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) cautioned the public against retrieving or coming near the rocket debris to minimize risk from remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
Tarriela advised mariners and the public to report to authorities any sightings of potential debris.
As of writing, the PCG said no immediate threats to safety or navigation have been reported in the country as a result of China’s rocket launch.
