Cagayan Valley among potential drop zones of debris from China’s rocket launch – CVDRRMC warns public

Cagayan Valley, Philippines – Cagayan has been identified as one of the potential drop zones for debris from China’s Long March 5 rocket launch, prompting the Cagayan Valley Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CVDRRMC) to issue a warning to residents—particularly those in coastal and island areas—to stay alert and avoid any unidentified objects that may fall or wash ashore.

Among the identified debris drop zones within Philippine waters are Camiguin Norte in the Babuyan Islands; Calayan, Cagayan (approximately 193 nautical miles or 357 km off the island); Dalupiri Islands (93 nautical miles or 153.7 km away); Burgos, Ilocos Norte (69 nautical miles or 127.7 km away); and Santa Ana, Cagayan (116 nautical miles or 214.8 km away).

The Long March (LM) 5 is China’s most powerful rocket to date, playing a crucial role in the nation’s space exploration program. The LM series is China’s primary rocket family, developed since the 1970s, with earlier models (LM-1 to LM-4) designed to launch satellites using intercontinental ballistic missile-based technology.

According to the CVDRRMC, China launched the Long March 5 rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan on Thursday night, October 23, between 10:22 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Debris from the launch may potentially fall within Philippine territory.

Authorities have urged fishermen and residents in Babuyan Island, Camiguin Norte, and nearby coastal communities to exercise caution and report any suspicious objects to local officials or the Philippine Coast Guard, warning the public not to touch or approach possible rocket fragments.

Local government units, the Coast Guard, and other concerned agencies have been instructed to implement precautionary measures and ensure public safety. The CVDRRMC emphasized that coordination efforts are ongoing to monitor the rocket’s trajectory and potential debris impact zones.

Last August 4, 2025, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued a similar advisory for Puerto Princesa, Palawan, following debris warnings from China’s Long March 12 rocket launch.

Meanwhile, the agency reiterated that although the likelihood of debris causing damage on land is low, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official advisories until the rocket’s launch and re-entry process are fully completed.