The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed on Monday the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket, with projected debris expected to have fallen within designated drop zones off the waters of Palawan.

According to PhilSA, the debris from the rocket launch was projected to have landed approximately 29 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and 20 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park.

The Long March 12 was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 10:42 a.m., Monday, Philippine Standard Time.

Before the launch, PhilSA issued a pre-launch advisory and coordinated with relevant government agencies after receiving a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing “aerospace flight activity” in the area.

The agency explained that unburned rocket debris—such as boosters and fairings—is designed to detach and fall back to Earth as the rocket ascends into space.

While these materials were not projected to land on inhabited areas or land features, PhilSA cautioned that they may still pose risks to ships, aircraft, and fishing vessels within the drop zones.

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float and drift toward nearby coasts,” the agency said in a statement, warning against touching or retrieving such materials, which may contain toxic substances like rocket fuel residues.

The agency continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with international partners and local authorities to ensure public safety and environmental protection.