Rocket debris found in Cagayan town shoreline

The rocket debris recovered in Barangay Allasitan un Pamplona, Cagayan on January 12, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Oliver Asuncion)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Local fishermen and villagers found debris of a suspected rocket launched by China washed ashore in Barangay Allasitan in Pamplona, Cagayan.

The debris was discovered on Monday, January 12, at about 5 p.m.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Cagayan police personnel retrieved the metal debris, painted predominantly white and had the markings “CHN” and some Chinese characters.

Villagers said they were relieved by the thought that the debris did not fall on their houses.

Residents Ofelia Baddu-Ralleta and Vilma Agustin-Lopez said it would be frightening if the debris fell on their houses.

“It was very dangerous. It is good that it fell into the sea,” Lopez said.

Authorities have yet to release an official report but believed that the debris is possibly from the Long March 7A rocket launched by the People’s Republic of China from Wenchang, Hainan between 06:32 and 07:14 on December 31, 2025.

In the past month, debris of rocket launches have been spotted in the area.

Similar rocket debris have been reported in Palawan and Mindoro in the past months.  /gsg