The Philippine Space Agency on Wednesday confirmed China's successful launch of a powerful rocket, the debris of which likely fell in in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, PhilSA said debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 68 nautical miles away from Rozul Reef and 116 nautical miles away from Ayungin Shoal.  

China's Long March 3B was launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province at 11:26 on 26 December (Manila time). 

PhilSA gathered the details of the rocket drop zone through a Notice to Airmen or NOTAM warning of an "aerospace flight activity." 

The agency said it had earlier disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities before the China rocket launch. 

PhilSa warned the rocket debris, which generally burns up in the atmosphere on re-entry, may incur potential risks to ships, fishing boats and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone of the debris.

It also noted the possibility that the remaining rocket debris may float around the area and wash toward the nearby coasts in the future.

PhilSA cautioned against retrieving or coming in close contact with the debris, which may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. The public is advised to contact local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.